Before the ink could dry on the signed Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) with Williams/Dame and Associates, City of Eugene staff were already busy making preparations to fulfill the community’s vision of reconnecting the City’s downtown to the Willamette River.
Over the coming days, weeks, and months, people will start to notice activity and changes at the Downtown Riverfront site. Much of the work will prepare the site for future development and is already underway.
Site Preparations
- Geotechnical testing – A consultant is currently on site taking core samples. These samples will be used to design pavements, foundations, and stormwater features.
- Demolition preparations – A consultant has documented the Bow Truss building and its significance to the State Historic Preservation Office. Plans to commemorate the building on the riverfront site remain in the works. BRING Recycling has salvaged dozens of items from the building. Demolition bid documents are expected to be posted next month.
- Tree removal – Later this month, crews will remove 91 trees from the interior of the property (see included image). City arborists have evaluated the conditions of the site and trees. They have determined the trees are not of historic or specimen significance and do not merit extraordinary measures for preservation. The redevelopment concepts include plans for planting street and landscaping trees in areas with conditions that will foster healthy growth and mature trees.
- Riverfront park – Staff are preparing plans and continuing public outreach. Riverbank enhancements will start in late spring/early summer and include removal of invasive species, laying back of slopes, and replanting the area with a higher diversity of native plants.
- Steam Plant – Public outreach continues as the development team shares its proposed concepts for the iconic building. Take the online survey through February 19.
City Council Update
On February 19, City staff are scheduled to provide an update on the Downtown Riverfront redevelopment to the Eugene City Council. Information will include next steps for Council and public input. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Harris Hall (125 E. 8th Ave.).