Yes, but a suburban looking glass building should not be something we need on the riverwalk. Sacrificing good design for the sake of glass because you believe downtown “needs” glass buildings is not something I agree with. Look at the new CPS buildings. That’s a proper way of incorporating glass into a building design. A design the HDRC approved.

Not all new construction needs to "blend in" with 100 year old designs. Brick and stone facades are a thing of the past. It is too expensive, and restrictive. Certainly nobody wants another Hyatt, or the like boring beige facades, right? Especially as more natural light is preferential and environmentally friendly.

ETA: I'm not saying every building should be all glass, or mostly glass. There is the factor that glass buildings can and do blind drivers. The Frost building casts some mighty blinding reflections in winter coming from the South in the mornings. What I am saying is that a modern building, right next to a Historic one, is not necessarily ugly, or out of place.

The new CPS is nice but what's wrong with having buildings being all glass. Other then the frost tower there isn't any buildings with much glass. Nothing wrong with a glass curtain. Gives San Antonio a different architecture then the ones we see in downtown all the time. Other people say the same thing about it. San Antonio has a great old buildings but it's time to build glass like other cities.

You’re completely missing the entire point of what most are saying in this discussion.

Didn't realize I was speaking for anyone but myself, but do enlighten me as what others are saying.

What I am saying is that there is nothing wrong with allowing a new aesthetic into Historical areas, especially DT. And the area of this project is ripe for new aesthetics. There are two parking garages in walking distance, and some cookie cutter hotels. Other than the Church and the Atztec Theater, it's underwhelming.

Come to think of it, other than the two mentioned, there's not much Historical about the area either.

Hopefully whatever goes there, is better than that ugly rectory.

I never said you were speaking for anyone else. I said there are others who have spoke. As to why the HDRC works the way it does as well as take issue with the design of this building. There are tangible reasons for both that you still are not understanding.

Instead of telling I don't understand, take this opportunity to educate. What am I missing?

I understand the importance of the HDRC, but some of the misperceptions they endure are self inflicted.

Ditto, it gives N St Mary's an interesting architectural diversity. Its replacement is fine, whatever.

How can we dissolve the HDRC

The definition of erudite is "having or showing knowledge that is gained by studying." I suggest you study up on the HDRC's mission and history, and the effects it has had on improving building quality in San Antonio, before making your second post. :cheers:

Might have been sarcasm on SA Erudite's part. Possibly, not sure, but maybe?

Let's see his/her second post. :)

Just saying, he/she might be erudite, but lacking in the skill of sarcasm. Certainly, subsequent posts might shed light on the situation.

The anticipation for post #2 has us on the edge of our seats! ;)

When is the next meeting for conceptual approval for this project??
Anyone??:cheers:

Today.

Last week's meeting was postponed due to lack of a quorum. (Interestingly enough, an agenda item is to review the meeting dates of the HDRC)

I did a Google Earth model for it and grabbed a few screenshots to post here.

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net...d8&oe=5D7DFBB4

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net...95&oe=5D84BF9E

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net...c8&oe=5DC0A3F0

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net...13&oe=5DBD1871

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net...04&oe=5D8AF5C8

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net...85&oe=5D8CC9D7

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net...80&oe=5DC6AD84

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net...40&oe=5D78B317

NICE, Kevin!

While I actually like the mid-60's rectory, and while I hope the hotel's design will be improved a bit (I like the curtainwall the best, and I see how they are trying to mimic the rhythms of the church with the stucco/stone), I think it is a good replacement. It's presence on the north side of the river won't impact sunlight access to the Riverwalk, and it is an appropriate height for this infill lot.

It's amazing that when they built the Weston hotel, I was excited at its "height".

I don't think it's going to be taller than the Courtyard, sadly.