10/29/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. Mr. Glenn Mason, 1980 West 24th Avenue, Historic Review Board, said e that a major point in recommending historic designation is the Depotls broad association with the cultural history of the area; people are aware of the railroad and the part it has played. He mentioned that the entire East Butte area is becoming an aesthe- tically and historically popular area of town. He noted other structures in the area which have also been designat~das historic landmarks such as Andy's Station and the Palace Hotel. Clarke Cox, 1085 Patterson, Chairperson for the Eugene Chapter of the Railroad Passengers, supported the designation. He said it is regrettable that the grounds must be omitted from the recommendation. Robert Lowry, Corvallis, Oregon, supported the historic designation, saYlng the 'structure lS one of four Southern Pacific structures still used in the state for passenger purposes. It is the oldest of the four and different from the others. When built, it was the center of tr ans port at ion. Timothy Wilson, 940 East 18th, spoke in favor of the historic designa- tlon. He pOlnted out that the Southern Pacific Railroad Company and AMTRAK are two different entities. While Southern Pacific opposed the designation, AMTRAK was supportive. The depot is cramped at pre- sent, and passenger comfort is at a minimum. It is also consistently pushing the Fire Code limit. Mr. John Gould, 800 Pacific Building, Portland, Oregon, an attorney e representing Southern Pacific, spoke in opposition to the historic designation. He said they were upset about the manner in which it had been presented to Southern Pacific. He said he felt that there was a more appropriate way for the City to deal with its corporate citizenry. He felt there was some dishonesty with the loan/grant program. While some funds are available, there are so many historic buildings that were designated that, in fact, there is not enough money to go around. He is not certain that historic designation is necessary and feels that the Council needs to talk to the corporation which owns the building. Percy Hilo, 4390 Willamette, spoke in support of the historical desig- nation. He added that it will provide a benefit for the community even though it may not show up in dollar signs. Public hearing was closed. Ms. Miller commented that she hoped the Southern Pacific Railroad would want to have a continuing productive dialogue with the City. Mr. Hamel agreed, stating that since Southern Pacific is the owner, it should have input as to the actions taken on their own property. Ms. Smith asked for comments from Ms. Rees on Mr. Gouldls comments, and Ms. Rees responded by saying that staff has been in contact with the Southern Pacific and AMTRAK officials for approximately one year and had discussed AMTRAK taking over the facility as well as restora- e tion possibilities. There may be a need to do more, she said. Mr. Delay hoped that the Historic Review Board is aware that Council supports and encourages maximum communication. 10/29/79--3 5 q 2...