Parking Request For A Restaurant - 2003 Union St.

[hindesky]

Variance sign on two sides of the building for an off street parking request for a restaurant.

[bookey23]

Good lord, only 7 years in the making!

[IntheKnowHouston]

Hmm... The topic's title was initially titled 2003 Union St. I was online when Hindesky posted it. Somehow within seconds of this topic being created, a certain someone took it upon themselves to change the title.  I wonder who? 

I've also noticed for some time now, immediately after Hindesky creates a topic (this goes for a few other posters), a certain someone changes the title for nearly every one of his topics. It's like clockwork. I'm not the only one who's noticed this. This moderator modifies everyone's topics or merges them with unrelated topics when it's not warranted. There are others here who take issue with this moderator's actions, including Hindesky.

So, on behalf of Hindesky (who's too nice to publicly voice his displeasure) and some of the other members who've complained privately about Highrise Tower's incessant need to modify the topics we contribute to this forum: please, stop it. 
 

Edited April 14 by IntheKnowHouston

[IntheKnowHouston]

On 4/2/2024 at 4:47 PM, hindesky said:

For reference, 2003 Union St was the former home of Grafittis at Union St, a restaurant best known for its burgers. There was topic for this, but it removed in that mass deletion a few years back.

The building has been available for lease off and on since the restaurant's closure in 2017. 

I'm hopeful the building's owner will find a tenant who can revive this spot. I think it would be a great fit for a barbecue restaurant or a family-friendly dining establishment.

Edited April 14 by IntheKnowHouston

[IntheKnowHouston]

On 4/2/2024 at 4:47 PM, hindesky said:

Variance sign on two sides of the building for an off street parking request for a restaurant.

 

An off-street parking variance request for 2003 Union St is on this week's planning commission's agenda.

According to the application, the purpose of the variance request "is to reduce the parking requirement amount from 18 parking spaces to 16 parking spaces for a restaurant remodel."

The existing structure is 5,000 sf. Based on the application, a 3,400 sf restaurant buildout is proposed.

Cisneros Design Studio is the applicant listed on the variance form. 


Link to the April 18 draft agenda:

https://plattracker.houstontx.gov/edrc/RevDocDefault.aspx?AppID=0&UserID=0&UserRole=0&CycleDocPath=2024\2024-08_DraftAgenda.pdf

[IntheKnowHouston]

On 4/2/2024 at 4:47 PM, hindesky said:

Variance sign on two sides of the building for an off street parking request for a restaurant.

 

18 minutes ago, IntheKnowHouston said:

An off-street parking variance request for 2003 Union St is on this week's planning commission's agenda.

According to the application, the purpose of the variance request "is to reduce the parking requirement amount from 18 parking spaces to 16 parking spaces for a restaurant remodel."

The existing structure is 5,000 sf. Based on the application, a 3,400 sf restaurant buildout is proposed.

Cisneros Design Studio is the applicant listed on the variance form. 


Link to the April 18 draft agenda:

https://plattracker.houstontx.gov/edrc/RevDocDefault.aspx?AppID=0&UserID=0&UserRole=0&CycleDocPath=2024\2024-08_DraftAgenda.pdf

Below is text regarding the off-street parking variance request for 2003 Union St.

The text is from the application submitted to the Planning Commission.

 

• Summary of Variance Conditions
   
  • The owner proposes to implement the previously-approved HAHC COA for the restoration and use of the empty building in the Old Sixth Ward Historic District. The building fronts the Washington corridor and is near other popular hospitality destinations. The proposed site alterations contains 16 parking spaces, but current potential tenants will require an additional 2 spaces, which is not possible due to the historic nature of the building configuration. Directly across the street 14 metered spaces exist on Union Street but are available on a first-come basis so are not reserved. The building has previously housed a neighborhood-styled restaurant tenant, GRAFFITI’s, but is currently empty. 
     

 

• (1a) Strict application of the requirements of this article would make a project infeasible due to the existence of unusual physical characteristics that affect the property in question or would create an impractical development or one otherwise contrary to sound policy;  
  • The requirement of the adding one additional off-street parking spaces would not be possible without demolishing a portion of the building, which would be difficult to get approved since this is a contributing building and the owner is intending a historic renovation of the structure in accordance with a previously-approved COA.  
    
    The owner intends to preserve the historic nature of the building, in accordance with the approved COA, and to create a viable economic use for the building. Renovation of the building will enhance and preserve the consistency of the historic district building stock and address current vagrancy and police visits to the property for homelessness/graffiti issues.  

 

• (3) The intent of this article is preserved; 
   
  • The intent of the ordinance is to provide sufficient off-street parking for commercial properties. The proposed project is designed to attract and serve historic district residents walking or biking to the site. Both the on-site and adjacent street parking provide sufficient parking for the proposed development and its operation

 

• (4) The parking provided will be sufficient to serve the use for which it is intended;
   
  • Chapter 26 goals do not acknowledge the rapid and tangible demographic, planning and future trends of the Old Sixth Ward district. It is substantially more pedestrian-oriented with this corridor getting substantial business support by the adjacent neighborhood which recognizes the benefit of rehabilitating the historic buildings of the district.  

 

• (5) The granting of such a variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety or welfare; and 
   
  • The variance will support the further enhancement of the streetscape by reducing the traffic congestion associated with more vehicular traffic and parking areas. The proposed neighborhood- scaled development provides a destination for area residents wanting to patronize a street—oriented café in their neighborhood.  

https://plattracker.houstontx.gov/edrc/RevDocDefault.aspx?AppID=0&UserID=0&UserRole=0&CycleDocPath=2024\2024-08_DraftAgenda.pdf

Edited April 14 by IntheKnowHouston

[IntheKnowHouston]

A land survey of  land survey included in the off-site parking variance request application.

[IntheKnowHouston]

2003 Union St site plan. This is included in the off-site parking variance request application.

Edited April 14 by IntheKnowHouston

[IntheKnowHouston]

Existing and proposed north elevations for 2003 Union St.

 The diagrams are included in the off-site parking variance request application.

[IntheKnowHouston]

Existing and proposed east elevations for 2003 Union St.

The diagrams are included in the off-site parking variance request application.

[IntheKnowHouston]

Existing and proposed west elevations for 2003 Union St.

The diagrams are included in the off-site parking variance request application.

[hindesky]

The Planning Commission approved the variance request for off street parking. A neighbor behind this project spoke in favor of it because she is worried about vagrants that have moved in to it several times and was worried about potential fires they often could cause. It's a historical building, a former mechanical shop. After business hours paid parking is available across the street at the law office.