Architectural Review Board - May 7, 2026

Board continues San Antonio Road project for further design review

By a 4-0 vote, the Architectural Review Board continued an eight-story, 174-unit condominium proposal on San Antonio Road near Lakehorn Street to an unspecified date for further design review. The project includes 35 below-market-rate units. Because environmental and departmental reviews remain underway, the board was not asked to approve the project or make a formal recommendation.

Board members called for substantial reconsideration of the ground-floor lobby, mail and package area, community room, circulation and street-facing homes. They differed over the overall design: Some saw major improvement, while others said the building’s massing and facade composition remained insufficiently resolved. Members also requested refinements to colors, window surrounds, balconies, courtyard elevations, privacy measures and upper-level terraces.

Current plans show 202 automated below-grade parking spaces, compared with 275 spaces typically required, a reduction of about 27%. Members raised questions about the automated system’s reliability and capacity but supported a revised on-site trash and loading arrangement that would avoid curbside trash staging and could improve safety along the bike route. Fire access remains unresolved, and the applicant must continue working with the Fire Department on a surface capable of supporting 75,000 pounds within the frontage setback.

Public comments opposed the proposal, with concerns including its scale, traffic, environmental conditions, streetscape quality and the rezoning process. The applicant is expected to refine the plans and resolve fire-access requirements before returning to the board for a formal recommendation. Staff said the proposal would then proceed to the Planning and Transportation Commission and City Council for a final decision.

Board flags access and design issues at 450 Lytton

The Architectural Review Board took no formal action after a study session on a proposed six-story affordable housing development at 450 Lytton Avenue. Members asked for further evaluation of the garage entrance and loading arrangements, building massing, future light and air, facade details, windows and resident amenities.

The approximately 76,400-square-foot project would replace a 52-space city surface parking lot with 72 homes: 71 affordable rental units and one manager unit. The affordable rentals would be restricted to households earning no more than 60% of area median income. Plans include 34 resident parking spaces and 72 bicycle spaces.

Members differed over whether the garage entrance should remain on Lytton Avenue or move to Kipling Street to reduce pedestrian and traffic effects on Lytton. They also discussed whether the second-floor community room should move to the ground floor to help activate the street. The development could receive up to $5.5 million in city funding through a proposed long-term loan from Housing In-Lieu Fee and Housing Impact Fee funds.

Public comment was mixed. One commenter argued that the housing project and a proposed replacement parking garage should be reviewed together for environmental purposes, while staff said there is no legal connection or required construction sequence between them. Other comments raised concerns about setbacks, landscaping and the streetscape, while one speaker supported moving the affordable housing project forward.

The city is evaluating the project’s eligibility under AB 130 and completing related consultation. Staff anticipated a City Council hearing in August 2026, subject to consultation timing and application completeness. Staff said the AB 130 review period generally would begin after final consultation and a complete application, allowing 60 days with a potential 90-day extension.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting packet