Two open houses will be held this week to share information and gather feedback on eight potential downtown revitalization projects that aim to boost the local economy and foster a vibrant downtown.  The events will be held:

Wednesday, January 6^th

Noon to 2:00 pm

5^th Street Market

296 East Fifth Street (next to Gervais Salon & Day Spa)

Thursday, January 7^th

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Downtown Initiative for the Visual Arts (DIVA)

110 West Broadway

The open houses will include a “virtual” walking tour of potential project sites and information stations where participants can learn more about the project details, job creation, costs, and timing and provide comments.  The eight projects include:

• Lane Community College’s New Downtown Center
• Veterans Affairs Clinic
• Downtown Safety Improvements
• Business Assistance & Housing
• Arts & Entertainment District
• Beam Development’s Centre Court building rehabilitation
• Green Infrastructure
• Downtown Parking Improvements

“We know that no single project will solve the challenges downtown all at once,” said Amanda Nobel Flannery, City project manager, “But together, these projects could work to generate jobs and create an active downtown center that feels safe and welcoming for everyone. We are looking forward to hearing what people think.”

In addition to the open houses, the http://www.vibranteugene.org/ website has project descriptions and opportunities to provide feedback through online surveys and an online community discussion board.  The City Council is scheduled to discuss downtown revitalization projects in January. For more information contact Laura Hammond at Laura.A.Hammond@ci.eugene.or.us or 541-682-6021.