College Station City Council reviewed the possibility of limiting the height of buildings in the “core Northgate” area during its Oct. 8 meeting.
The gist
According to agenda material, city staff received direction in June to begin engagement efforts to limit building height in the district. The core Northgate area — which is across the street from Texas A&M University — has many nightlife businesses.
As previously reported by Community Impact, the council discussed the growth of the Northgate district throughout 2026, including adding a parking garage for residents and visitors. Council members also discussed the district’s safety, given the district's proximity to the university, while keeping Northgate’s character intact.
City Land Development Review Administrator Robin Macias said the potential limit would cap buildings at three to five stories. Macias said property owners had mixed feelings about the idea, with some hoping for a better return on their investment and others not minding the overlay as long as it's not on their property specifically.
What the council is saying
Council member Scott Shafer said he liked the idea of limiting the buildings to three to five stories, especially to keep Northgate recognizable.
“We can look at it right now and envision a high-rise at the corner of Lodge and University,” Shafer said. “Places like The Chicken and Duddley’s would be buried if there was a high-rise there.”
Council member Melissa McIlhaney said she was conflicted about the proposition because she would feel uncomfortable telling someone what to do with their property.
Preserving the area's historical culture for future generations was a main point council members brought up. Mayor John Nichols said there would be concerns about resources and finances, especially with an overlay that doesn’t address those concerns, but gave the staff direction for a potential program.
“It might cost the city money, but if the council says we’re ready to do this, we have made an appropriate effort,” Nichols said. “At least we have the opportunity to test the market.”
What’s next
After Nichols left the meeting early, Mayor Pro Tem William Wright directed the city to come up with a program with grants and incentives to test the waters. The program will be presented to the next council when they’re inaugurated in November.
