City Officials OK Ashby High Rise Plans

The plans to develop a controversial high rise in the West University district were finally approved after undergoing 10 revisions, Houston city officials announced Friday.

Officials with Houston's public works and engineering departments approved the construction of the Ashby high rise at 1717 Bissonnet after they determined the 11th set of plans complied with the city's development codes, according to a statement from the city.

Public Works and Engineering Deputy Director Andy said the new plans reduce the number of residential units in the project and eliminate a commercial spa, retail space and executive offices. The new plan also reduces the number of peak-hour trips expected from vehicles entering and exiting the property, which is one of the key restrictions in the code.

"Original plans submitted by the developers called for more than 180 daily peak-hour trips into and out of the property," according to the statement. "According to a Traffic Impact Analysis of the just-approved plans, that number would be restricted to only 120, a 33 percent reduction from the original."

The new plans also limit vehicle entrances and exits to Bissonnet only, according to the statement. Surrounding residential streets would not be affected.