Lydia McKinney Planning Division Metro & Community Planner 99 West 10th Avenue Eugene, OR 97401 (541) 682-5485 Email: lydia.s.mckinney@ci.eugene.or.us
MU Development Banner
Walnut Station
Walnut Station Mixed Use Center
In May 2005, the City of Eugene, in cooperation with the University of Oregon and the State of Oregon, initiated a planning process for an area along Franklin Boulevard known as "Walnut Station." Walnut Station is a transit stop location on the EmX line between downtown Eugene and downtown Springfield. It is also the epicenter of a planning initiative to stimulate redevelopment of this area as a key mixed use center for Eugene.
This long-range mixed use planning project is split into two phases: Phase One focused on the development of a vision and planning framework for the area while Phase Two is focusing on plan development and implementation.
Phase One - Visioning
The first phase of the project focused on developing a common vision for the study area. The Phase One project concluded with substantial agreement, by most stakeholders, on many of the elements of a plan for redevelopment of the area. These elements, along with the overall vision for the project, are detailed in the Phase One Final Report completed by urban design consultant Urbsworks, Inc., in May 2006. That report, and others related to the Phase One process, can be accessed from this webpage.
Phase Two - Implementation
The second phase of the two-part project began in October 2006 and is focusing on development of a mixed use development plan (also known as a specific area plan) and implementation strategies for the area based on the foundation laid in Phase One. Issues that will be addressed in this phase of the work include:
Redesign of Franklin Boulevard to support the pedestrian and transit-friendly mixed use development concept;
Improvements to the pedestrian and bicycle circulation systems;
Redesign of side streets to improve operations, parking capacity and appearance of the other streets within the study area;
Identification of appropriate development patterns and intensities of development within the area;
Improvements to the Millrace;
Provision of adequate parks and open space for the future population expected to work-reside in the area.
Phase Two will conclude with preparation of a draft plan in 2009. There will be multiple opportunities for public involvement on this project throughout Phase Two, so check this website often for updates on upcoming meetings or new documents.