Downtown panel approves revised Continental Coliseum parking-structure design with conditions

The Downtown Design Commission approved a revised design for the Continental Coliseumsiteparking structure during its June 18 meeting, accepting staffrecommendations while urging stronger pedestrian amenities.

Laura Griggs of the Planning Department told commissioners the applicant has addressed most prior conditions for DTCA-25-00099R1 at 125 West Reno Avenue and that staff is treating the proposal as a two-level parking structure rather than a conventional surface lot. "They are addressing almost all of their conditions," Griggs said, and staff recommended approval contingent on the applicant obtaining outstanding permits and final landscaping specifications.

Design architect William Hahn said the visible mass of the garage was reduced after the NBA and its security consultants required changes. "The regulations that they put on the garage became extremely onerous," he said, explaining the team reallocated scope to preserve building views and operational goals and that some garage-related work could be built on a separate parcel later.

Chair Eric Schmidt cautioned the commissionand the teamthat corner parking configurations are generally discouraged in downtown urban design and pressed for improvements to pedestrian experience. "I just challenge you to ensure that the pedestrian experience, in particular with softscapes and meaningful shade trees, are more enhanced than would be reasonably expected of any other project," Schmidt said.

Project drawings show perimeter landscaping and widened sidewalk treatments at the northeast corner; staff confirmed those sidewalks exceed zoning minimum widths and said species-level landscaping plans will return for staff review. Commissioners also noted a recent design change to the main entry plaza (an enclosed queueing area) and were informed staff had no regulatory objection but wanted the change called out to the commission.

A commissioner moved to approve the application on the basis it complies with Downtown Design District zoning guidelines (referenced in the staff report); another commissioner seconded and the motion passed. The commission asked staff to continue reviewing detailed landscape species, signage plans, and any remaining board-of-adjustment permits associated with setbacks or fence heights.

The commission will expect to see the final species list and any signage changes in follow-up submittals.