HLC approves COA for 701 North Main medical office with north-face revisions

The Boerne Historic Landmark Commission on July 7 approved a certificate of appropriateness for a new commercial medical-office building at 701 North Main Street but required changes to the building’s north elevation to break up a long run of facade before final sign-off.

Planning staff described the site as located on the far northern edge of the historic district, currently vacant and noncontributing to the district. The proposed 1–2 story medical office was presented as roughly 50,000 square feet with about 218 parking spaces, a 45-foot street setback (revised after prior HLC feedback), tree preservation islands and a palette of painted stucco, cast stone and two brick types.

During discussion commissioners expressed concern that one side elevation read as a long, uninterrupted wall. The applicant’s architect said the scheme is constrained by fire-access and height limits but was open to minor recesses or material changes. A motion to approve the COA for structure and site development was made subject to recommended north-elevation design changes and delegated review to city staff; the commission approved that motion.

Staff emphasized that the COA covers architecture and site development; final verification that parking, drainage and other technical requirements comply with the UDC will occur through city technical review.