muncien wrote:My bigger concern is for the existing buildings along Commerce (Doug's Gym, 7/11). I've always had a soft spot for those little buildings along that stretch. Would this garage wipe those out

, or simply wrap around them? Isn't there some historic protections in this area?
Those two building are "compatible" buildings but not "contributing" buildings in the historic district, meaning they aren't really protected.
As for the lot where this is being built, any new construction is going to resemble this style more than a glass box. It has similar restrictions to new construction in the West End. Some challenges any new building on these lots face are:
- Building must have an expressed base, shaft, and building top, compatible with surrounding buildings.
- Entrances must be emphasized.
- Along Harwood Street the base must extend to the property line.
- Building base must be differentiated from the shaft. Arcades and canopies are allowed.
- No more than two building materials for the cladding.
- Window openings on the base can't be more than 70%. Curtain glass walls permitted if they fall within this amount.
There are some other requirements, including the screening of parking garages:
http://dallascityhall.com/departments/s ... treet.aspxTaking all that into account, this proposal seems to meet most requirements but is probably an early rendering to seek review (glass % at street level could be an issue). It's certainly a box. Personally I think the top could use some setbacks and the facade could use more variation, especially if this long facade is going to front a new park.
I'm not a fan of many of his projects, but a retro-modern design by David M. Schwarz would work well in this location. The newer buildings in Sundance Square come to mind.



And someone please narrow Harwood to make it more pedestrian friendly. The sidewalks here are terribly narrow. Two narrow drive lanes with a center landscaped turn lane are more appropriate and would greatly improve the street. Harwood has the potential to be the best north-south street in downtown Dallas.