The December/January King William Association newsletter included this story of the new townhouses being developed by long-time neighbors Steve Yndo and Jim Bailey. They have been working diligently with the neighborhood, neighbors, and the KWA to produce a top-rate product. I look forward to seeing them go up and can assist anyone interested in purchasing one.
“Growing Pains” written by Cherise Bell
With the SA2020 initiative, the City has set a goal to add 7,500 new residential units downtown. Already built are Cevallos Lofts and 1010 S. Flores. Currently under construction are the Elan Riverwalk apartments and the Big Tex apartments, both which have 350 units. In the planning stages are a 150 unit complex on “the slab” next to La Tuna Restaurant and a project on Cedar Street with 12 units and 5 units.
The Cedar Street Townhouse are being developed by Steve Yndo, with Jim Bailey of Alamo Architects. In order to accomplish this project, the Children’s Shelter would be demolished. After presenting their plan to the KWA Board several times, the number of units was reduced and the configuration of the site plan was rearranged to reduce the visual impact on adjoining neighbors. The KWA Board approved the concept and zoning changes at its June 18 meeting. Currently, the zoning for one of the two lots is MF-33 (multi-family with maximum of 33 units); the other lot is zoned RM4, so no zoning change is required to accommodate the proposed 5 unit structure. Yndo will be changing the zoning of 133 Cedar to IDZ – with residential uses, specifically tied to the site plan. Zoning for 311 Pereida will go from MF-33 to RM-4 (single-family dwelling.) Yndo, KWA and SAISD are working together to try and move the Solon Stewart House from 114 Cedar to 311 Pereida. The KWA Board, using the KWA charter and mission as guidelines, approved the change in the use of the Children’s Shelter property (from commercial to residential) and putting a single-family house on the vacant lot at 311 Pereida.
The zoning change request went to the Zoning Commission on November 4, where it was postponed to allow District 1 Zoning Commissioner Marianna Ornelas the opportunity to visit the site and better understand the case. The case was approved by the Zoning Commission on November 18. Yndo and Bailey will continue to work with the KWA Board and neighbors regarding the project’s design, and must go before the HDRC (Historic Design & Review Board) for final design approval. The units will be designed to have two parking spaces each.
With increased density there will be more pedestrians, dog walkers, traffic, and bicyclists, which means we have a thriving, vibrant community. Let us all use common courtesy and respect as we connect in the neighborhood, keeping King William a great place to live.
Link to the newsletter is here.