Height bump for new multifamily project gets initial approval

A proposed multifamily project aimed at residents who desire walkability and other mobility options in a downtown neighborhood is set to move forward with a request for increased height, blessed by the city’s Planning Commission at its June 22 meeting.

Weaver Buildings seeks a zoning change for Shoal Cycle, the 70-unit multifamily building it is developing at 812 West 11th Street. Shoal Cycle will replace a two-story office building currently at the site, which is zoned for Multifamily Moderate Density, Limited Office, and General Office uses. The developer seeks Downtown Mixed Use zoning with a conditional overlay that would allow a height of up to 90 feet, 30 feet higher than the 60 feet recommended by city planning staff.

Staff made the recommendation for a 60-foot limit based on guidelines in the Downtown Austin Plan. The commission nevertheless approved a recommendation for the 90-foot plan, adding a provision that recommended limiting office uses to the first floor of the complex.

Plans for Shoal Cycle include a parking structure with 58 spaces, fewer than would be required for a similar building in other parts of the city. Because Downtown Mixed Use zoning waives parking requirements, Shoal Cycle will be able to capitalize on its walkability, its access to the Shoal Creek Trail, and current and planned public transportation routes nearby to attract residents looking to reduce or eliminate their use of personal vehicles. There will be 70 underground spaces as well as sidewalk racks for bicycle parking.

Studio 8 Architects is designing Shoal Cycle. Landscape architecture is by Coleman and Associates. Lott Brothers Construction Company is the builder.

The scaling down of car parking as well as the requested increase in height are meant to allow for more housing space and potentially save residents money on transportation, according to developer Jen Weaver, enabling rent prices to come in at around $1,400 per bed. Because Austin’s Downtown Density Bonus Program does not apply to the planned site of Shoal Cycle, the property will not be required to offer city-determined affordable housing in exchange for increased height/density.

The commission approved the rezoning and conditional overlay recommendations with a vote of 11-0-2. Commissioners Carmen Llanes Pulido and Solveij Rosa Praxis abstained. The Austin City Council is slated to vote on the matter at its July 29 meeting.