Design Review Committee – March 21, 2024

Design Review Committee Meeting Recap – March 21, 2024

The Asheville Design Review Committee (DRC) convened on March 21st to review design plans and discuss ongoing initiatives within designated areas of the city: Downtown, the Riverfront, and a specific hotel overlay zoning district. The DRC is comprised of nine members responsible for reviewing design proposals, with a key distinction being that positive recommendations from the DRC can allow hotels to bypass full City Council review. This meeting covered several key topics impacting Asheville’s built environment, and here's a breakdown of what transpired.

A primary focus was the ongoing review and potential update of downtown design guidelines. Planning staff, with Ellie Gross leading this initial phase, presented an overview of the inventory and analysis currently underway. Given increased development activity downtown, this review is prioritized, with plans to address the Riverfront area later. The committee unanimously approved the minutes from their previous meeting, setting the stage for discussions on current projects and proposed ordinance changes.

The committee then turned its attention to a Level 1 design review for renovations at 46 Wall Street. The proposal involves interior modifications and the addition of an egress door and window on the building’s Wall Street facade. While staff recommended approval, acknowledging that the project improves upon a previously non-conforming situation despite not fully meeting fenestration guidelines, committee members engaged in a robust discussion about the project’s potential impact on pedestrian access and street-level signage. The applicant committed to exploring options for enhancing the street-level experience, addressing concerns raised by the committee.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a proposed change to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) concerning the terms of DRC members. Currently, members from the Downtown Commission and Riverfront Commission serve concurrent terms on the DRC. The proposed change would align these memberships, meaning a DRC member would leave when their commission term ends. After considerable debate about potential drawbacks – including the loss of experienced members and disruption to DRC continuity – the committee ultimately voted to recommend denial of this change. Members emphasized their desire to maintain a consistent and knowledgeable group on the DRC, believing that continuity is crucial for effective design review.

The public comment period was brief, with no comments from the public initially. However, a notable contribution came from John Court, a former architect of record for the Civic Center building. Mr. Court expressed concerns regarding a proposed Duke Energy substation subdivision, highlighting potential safety issues related to egress, fire department access, and hazards for building occupants. He urged the committee to ensure any changes comply with current building codes, a point which resonated strongly and will be considered during the review process.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified. Planning and Urban Design staff will continue the inventory and analysis of downtown design guidelines, led by Ellie Gross. They will also prepare a full Level 1 review for the 46 Wall Street project, incorporating feedback from the meeting. Importantly, the DRC's recommendation regarding the UDO text amendment will be forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission, which will subsequently present it to City Council for final approval. Finally, city review teams (including building safety and fire department personnel) will thoroughly consider Mr. Court’s concerns regarding the Duke Energy substation project, ensuring code compliance and safety are prioritized. Residents can find detailed information, including meeting minutes and presentations, on the City of Asheville website: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/.