The Fort Worth Urban Design Commission unanimously approved multiple development requests June 18 and received an update on Panther Island construction and redevelopment plans.
The main debate focused on a proposed 10-story JPS Health Network outpatient building at 1300 S. Main St. in the Near Southside. Commissioners approved several waivers to rooftop design rules, including one that city staff recommended against.
Commissioners weighed the equipment’s visual impact against the additional tax dollars that would be necessary to meet the design requirements.
JPS case
In seeking the waivers, JPS asked to let rooftop equipment cover about 65% of the building’s roof, compared with the 25% usually allowed under Urban Design District regulations. It also requested to place some equipment closer to the roof’s edge, allow it to rise higher and leave part of it visible from nearby properties…