SPIN2010-49 Meeting ReportSPIN MEETING REPORT
CASE NO. Formal application pending
PROJECT NAME: Garden District at Southlake Town Square
SPIN DISTRICT: SPIN # 8
MEETING DATE: December 6, 2010; 7 PM
MEETING LOCATION: 1400 Main Street, Southlake, TX
Training Rooms 3A — 3C
TOTAL ATTENDANCE: Twenty -three (23)
• SPIN REPRESENTATIVE(S) PRESENT: Pattie Minder (# 8), Ron Evans (# 10), Ray
Tremain (# 9), and Vic Awtry (# 7)
• APPLICANT(S) PRESENTING: Frank Bliss, Cooper & Stebbins
• STAFF PRESENT: Lorrie Fletcher, Planner I
STAFF CONTACT: Dennis Killough, Deputy Director Planning & Development Services, (817)748-
8072; dkillough(a�ci.southlake.tx.us
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Property Situation
• The property is described as the residual Brownstone land located on the east side of
Central Avenue just north of the existing Brownstones; this piece is approximately 8
acres.
Development Details
• The applicant is proposing a revised concept plan called The Garden District at
Southlake Town Square. The goal is to re -start development at the Brownstones, and
finish the district in a manner that is additive to the existing Brownstone residents,
Southlake Town Square and the Southlake community. The preliminary application that
has been filed is based on development of a neighborhood of Brownstone -like 3 -story
buildings, in which individual floors are owned under a "stacked flat" design. Two streets
have been eliminated, allowing homes to face into a series of internal private open
spaces. Secured parking is provided underground, increasing the amount of open
space. Each "pair' of Brownstones is served by a central elevator and stair, allowing
direct access to individual flats on each level. The "stacked flat" design will incorporate
from 3 to 12 residences per building. Up to 160 "for sale" residences are proposed.
Individual flats can be combined either horizontally or vertically, to create larger homes
as desired.
The new buildings will compliment and be compatible with existing Brownstones along
Main St. and Summit Ave. The 1S floor of the buildings are slightly elevated above the
adjacent sidewalk, providing privacy to the residents. Elevator and stair foyers are
provided along the street front (or in certain cases from the internal private walkways),
providing direct, controlled access to building residents and guests. Residents will be
able to rise by elevator directly into their own private vestibule and the front door to their
home. Two parking spaces will be provided for each residence in gated, private
underground parking. Additional guest parking will be provided on street at the ratio of
one space for every 3 flats. Building design facilitates well thought out, spacious floor
plans and amenities. Residences will include a mix of 1- and 2- bedroom flats, ranging
from 1,500 square feet to 3,000 square feet, with an average in the order of 2,000
square feet, consistent with market feedback.
Main living areas will face into secluded settings designed around a series of individually
landscaped areas with gardens, fountains, pathways, and public art. Pathways will
provide connectivity to the downtown commercial areas, and extend Town Square's
walking trail system. Private open space is being relocated from Block 19, enhancing
landscape opportunities within the District as well as future commercial development
potential along SH 114. The grounds will include a club house and central square which
will provide a gathering place for residents to meet, entertain and hold other functions.
Open space design and functionality is being approached with the goal of adding value
to existing Brownstone residences as well as future development. First floor residences
will enjoy spacious patios that feature both covered and open air, landscaped areas
adjacent to the Garden District's private open space. Second and Third floor residents
will enjoy large, walk -out balconies. A 5 -foot landscape bed will run along the front of the
buildings at the street, creating a streetscape similar to that of the Brownstones. Energy
Star and LEED for Homes and /or similar certifications will be sought for each building.
Cooper & Stebbins is also considering seeking a broader certification under the LEED
ND or similar programs which could encompass all of Town Square under a "green"
downtown designation.
• Formal application to the City is anticipated for January 2011.
QUESTIONS / CONCERNS
• Taking away surface parking; will you have more parking?
o Yes, there is sufficient underground and structure parking planned.
• Are you going to use the commercial development along SH 114 as noise abatement?
o That development will help, however, the internal environment proposed provides
movement and sound that distracts from the outside.
• These will be like the Brownstones?
o Very similar; they are three -story like the Brownstones, however, each flat is all
on one level.
• What are the ceiling heights?
o Eleven to twelve feet.
• How much will these cost per square foot?
o They will start at $220 but will depend on customizing; expecting around Y2
million per flat.
• Which phase would be first?
o Off Central east, then northwest — working east.
• What will I see from my Brownstone?
o An aesthetically pleasing building with landscaping.
• So no windows or decks?
o No, they will all be internal.
• Are the air conditioners on the roof or ground?
o Not sure yet but they will definitely be screened.
• Will there be any public parking?
o Parking will be available around the
anticipate any parking issues. Each
underground parking area.
perimeter; nothing inside. We do not
unit will have 2 spaces allotted in the
• Will there be storage space available?
o Yes
• Are you planning on building a scale model of the project?
o If we can get approval of this concept plan and meet appropriate partners.
• Will there be a monthly fee?
o Yes, a fee will be required for grounds maintenance.
• What do you plan to do with the dirt from the underground garage?
o Engineering will be done... we may fill some areas and some may be exported.
SPIN Meeting Reports are general observations of SPIN Meetings by City staff and SPIN
Representatives. The report is neither verbatim nor official meeting minutes; rather it serves to inform
elected and appointed officials, City staff, and the public of the issues and questions raised by residents
and the general responses made. Responses as summarized in this report should not be taken as
guarantees by the applicant. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to follow the case through the
Planning and Zoning Commission and final action by City Council.