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City Council Meeting Minutes June 25, 2020 <br />of an issue. Mr. Winter noted he could include this. Council and Commission <br />consensus was to ensure that building materials are durable as possible and <br />reflect San Marcos historical buildings. <br />Street Level Design - Mr. Winter noted that existing guidelines include <br />elements of street level design, but do not address it specifically. The standards <br />for street level activation provide for a level of transparency and they do limit <br />the amount of blank wall. They reference the limited variations of articulation. <br />Potential Updates would include guidelines and standards that expand on <br />current standards and provide further options for how to activate a street level <br />including different surface treatments, creating a sense of scale, and providing <br />visual interest, all of which is intended to promote pedestrian activity. It can <br />apply to a garage or parking structure wall or an alley edge. <br />Mayor Hughson asked about newer standards, transparency, and storefronts <br />that are all glass. Mr. Winter noted that traditional storefronts had a 12" or so <br />base below the glass. To tie into design traditions we will need a base for the <br />glass, even if it is a line on a full glass storefront that provides the concept of a <br />base. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Mihalkanin noted that the building that previously housed the <br />County Clerk Office (at the corner of W Hopkins and N Guadalupe) has a <br />blank wall on the Hopkins side and only one street level exit. He suggests that <br />type of design no longer be allowed. <br />Mayor Hughson asked what can be done on a blank wall? Mr. Winter noted <br />the options on the slide that show display windows, display cases, canopies and <br />awnings, wall art, planters and landscaping. Any of these can be used as a <br />retrofit not on just new construction. <br />Commissioner Spell noted that awnings can create shade and it is important in <br />summer especially when you are trying to promote walking. We need to <br />promote shade from trees and awnings. <br />Commissioner Rand stated that open doors and accessibility are best, but she <br />does like murals and does not want to limit an artist's design. <br />Commissioner Moore agrees with the comments about murals and awnings <br />and would like deeper awnings and street trees, we are focusing on bottom <br />floor retail but it may be better to have more residential units downtown. <br />City of San Marcos Page 8 <br />