Quote:
Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas
^Yeah, the CVCs actually encourage height and density since they create unique situations on some blocks where they reduce the allowable height on those blocks, and all of it on others. On the blocks where all of it is restricted by the CVC, it forces the developer to build to the maximum allowed height to achieve the amount of space they're planning. That might mean a building that covers the entire block with a lot of potential for street level retail since the building might need a large footprint to achieve the amount of space they're planning. On the blocks where part of them are restricted by the CVC, it requires the developer to put some of the space under the CVC while putting the rest of the space on the area of the block that isn't restricted. On the unrestricted portion they have to go vertical to get there. On the blocks that aren't restricted by a CVC at all, it encourages developers to utilize them better and not waste a block that could potentially support a lot of height and density. The Travis County Courthouse block is a good example of that. Half the block will go to a private developer who will be allowed to build to the maximum limit with no restriction that might end up being one of the tallest buildings in Texas. So it sort of gives them some incentive to not waste it. The CVCs also create some unique building designs, and they can be perfect for residential neighborhoods since they create planned view corridors for residents to enjoy that are guaranteed to stay put.
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100% disagree - it means whole and partial blocks sometimes do not get built for decades and some areas of the CBD are all but un-developable because of the CVCs. There are far too many of them and in a city that is already blighted by the State of Texas office park/parking garage ghetto, the CVCs (at least the city ones) are a self inflicted wound.