DRC approves final design for 655–665 South Cache Street mixed‑use project

The Design Review Commission voted to approve the final design for a mixed‑use redevelopment at 655–665 South Cache Street, concluding the project’s current review after a lengthy presentation on program, materials and site layout.

Caitlin Page, the town’s senior planner, introduced the application and invited Thea Farrell, a planning and building intern, to summarize the project. “The total is approximately 33,530 square feet,” Farrell said, adding that the habitable floor area is about 23,500 square feet and that roughly 18,800 square feet would be counted under the town’s 2‑for‑1 bonus. Farrell described the unit mix as market and deed‑restricted residential, and noted the proposal includes eight short‑term rental units following regulatory changes that required reconfiguration of previously two‑level short‑term units.

Brad (project representative) and the design team walked the commission through site context and elevations. The proposal includes below‑grade parking with some tuck‑in at grade, a small parklet at the northeast corner to animate the streetscape, and a material palette intended to echo—but not exactly replicate—the adjacent 645 building. The design team noted one product substitution in the exterior cladding (changed resin panel color/manufacturer) and said the proposed materials are the closest match available.

Landscape architect Hans Flink described street plantings, raised planters on the north side and a parklet intended to provide a small lawn and perennial beds; staff confirmed an existing bulb‑out would remain and be paved to serve snow storage needs. Commissioners asked about courtyard snow removal, resident access, and parking: the project team said the total parking count is the same as in the prior approval but that prior surplus parking capacity would be consumed by the updated unit mix; the design also reserves 12 spaces for the Holland & Hart building.

After discussion on massing and material rhythm—some members suggested additional emphasis at a corner to break the building scale—the commission voted to approve the final design. The motion to approve passed 4–0. The approval carries the expectation that the applicant will provide final material samples and that staff will verify the reserved parking and details at permit submission.