Carbondale's Historic Commission reviews new arts studio site plan proposal

The Town of Carbondale Planning & Zoning Commission convened on March 13, 2025, to discuss a minor site plan review for a project located in the Historic Commercial Core (HCC) zone district. The meeting highlighted the review process undertaken by the Historic Preservation Commission, which evaluated the project’s alignment with Carbondale's design guidelines.

The commission noted that while the proposed building lacks some of the historic charm typical of the HCC, it sufficiently meets the design guidelines and intent of the district. The existing structure on the site is not historically significant, allowing for more flexibility in the proposed development.

Key aspects of the proposal include compliance with the downtown land use designation and the future land use map. The project plans to incorporate an instructional arts studio, which is an allowed use in the HCC. The commission discussed whether the project aligns with the purpose statement of the HCC, which aims to preserve Carbondale's original commercial character.

The proposed development will cover 18% of the lot with landscaped areas, including a small pocket park at the rear. The building height is set at 34 feet 1 inch, just under the maximum limit of 35 feet. Although there are no setback requirements in the HCC, the developers plan to include modest setbacks on all sides of the building.

Parking considerations were also addressed, with the proposal including three parking spaces, one of which will be ADA accessible. This addition is expected to facilitate clay deliveries and reduce the need for large trucks to park on Main Street. The design promotes pedestrian circulation, maintaining a gravel connection to the Rio Grande and adding a new ADA-accessible sidewalk.

The commission also reviewed site and building design standards, emphasizing the need to avoid large, unbroken expanses and ensure that all building facades are designed with similar levels of detail. The architectural character of the new building should complement existing structures, and a compatible cornice design is required.

Overall, the commission expressed support for the project, recognizing its potential to enhance the area while adhering to the guidelines set forth for the HCC. Further discussions will focus on the specific design elements to ensure they align with the community's vision for the historic district.