What is The Argyle proposing?
To build a MAJOR EVENT CENTER in a quiet residential neighborhood to compete with other large commercial venues – the San Antonio Country Club, San Antonio Botanical Center, and The Witte Museum.
How large will these EVENTS be?
The proposed SUP allows events up to 1,200 people.
How often will the events happen?
According to the proposed Specific Use Permit (SUP), the number of allowable events of 250 or less is unlimited . . . they can happen every day of the week. The Argyle can host an additional 52 events per year with an attendance between 250 and 1,200. In addition, the 4 historic holiday events and celebration of life or funeral-related events appear to have no size limitations or other restrictions.
It is worth noting that all the limitations and restrictions described in the SUP apply only to “permitted functions (events)” and there are no restrictions or limitations on the traditional “dining and bar” activities of the club.
How MUCH TRAFFIC will that create?
The number of events that will be allowed is dramatically more than the current number. Our residential streets will become MAJOR THOROUGHFARES to accommodate all the cars, ride shares, buses, service and delivery trucks, semi- and tanker trucks to service these events. This traffic starts at 6:30 in the morning and will continue well after 1:00am on the weekends.
Where will their guests park?
480 off-street parking spaces are required just for members and guests. Another 50-100 spaces should be provided for club staff, event and service staff, security, vendors and valets. The SUP provides 245 spaces, only 81 of which are on property owned by TBRI and 56 leased spaces across the street from the club. Section VI.J of the SUP – Parking Requirements is littered with imprecise language and loopholes like “shall discourage” and “proximate to Argyle Properties”. The stated parking provisions are unenforceable and are wholly dependent on “self-policing” by The Argyle. The City of Alamo Heights cannot prohibit parking on city streets….so members and event guests will continue to use Patterson, Estes, Argyle, Grant and Torcido for parking.
What about remote parking?
The SUP proposes that The Argyle will lease 108 spaces below US 281 from TxDOT. TxDOT leases are dependent on the good graces of State of Texas officials so it’s no coincidence that they are getting a lease at this time as the head of TxDOT is a member of The Argyle. But it’s a temporary not permanent solution. Common sense would also suggest that it’s hard to imagine guests in tuxedos and evening dresses driving past the club to wait patiently for “the bus” under the freeway in the heat or rain.
Doesn’t The Argyle already host events?
Yes . . . but it’s important to remember that the late, loud parties on the lawn are the exception and are actually prohibited by zoning. An analysis of their business plan, the SUP and the Major Event Center makes it clear that The Argyle is changing their business model from a private Dining Club with a few events to a Major Event Venue with a little dining.
I have heard all the sound will move inside, is
that true?
No ! Only amplified music will be inside. Speakers and amplified sound is allowed outside. Even with a new building they still plan to have events on the lawn with huge tents (44′ x 103′) if “rain is predicted”. And the Major Event Center has two walls of glass doors and terraces facing the neighborhood. You’ll still hear the party.
Who owns the Argyle property?
Texas Biomedical Research Institute (TBRI) owns (or will own) all the property referenced in the SUP. The Argyle is only a tenant.
Doesn’t the Argyle help support the TBRI?
MONEY from events, dining and club dues DOES NOT SUPPORT TBRI. The only support that flows to TBRI is The Argyle members’ direct yearly assessment and tax-deductible donations by some members. The Argyle’s IRS 990s do not show any grants or funds going to TBRI from the operations of the club.
Doesn’t the Argyle pay property taxes that benefit the City of Alamo Heights?
The Argyle only pays sales tax, and it is our understanding that they were recently granted sales tax exempt status by the state. Property taxes are actually paid by TBRI. The appalling irony is that after the addition of two additional properties (423 Argyle and 820 Patterson) and after several major building additions and renovations, the 27,500 sf building is valued at only $5,000 by the appraisal district. While Alamo Heights residents’ values and taxes have gone up . . . TBRI’s and The Argyle’s taxes have gone DOWN!.
TBRI and the Argyle are not paying their fair share!
Is it true that the Argyle agreed to certain code restrictions when they first opened . . . and if they violated those restrictions, they would lose their right to operate?
Yes! They agreed to NO MUSIC after sunset, NO OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES except on the front porch and terrace, NO business on Sunday, and other restrictions. See the Ordinance here.
Were those restrictions ever amended, modified or lifted?
No.
How have they been able to operate in violation of the 1955 Variance and Resolutions . . . don’t they have to follow the rules and codes like everyone else?
No, apparently, they do not !
What percentage of Alamo Heights citizens are members of the Argyle?
About 260 people or 5% of the city’s population.
84% of The Argyle membership of 1570+ DO NOT live in Alamo Heights.
What percentage of City Council are Argyle members?
50% of the City Council are members of The Argyle : Place 3 Blake Bonner and Place 4 Lynda Billa Burke are members. Mayor Al Honigblum is also a member.