05/23/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e buildings as they do not appear to be the best options. However, she was open to any combination of factors that worked. Mr. Rutan said that this process has not helped him. The council has the objective of bUilding a library, and whether there is mixed-use is a function of economics. Without knowing the economics of the situation, Mr. Rutan said that such concepts as mixed-use meant nothing. He felt that a creative way to make the library work was through the application of other uses to the project. He was interested in mixed-use to help subsidize and fund the development of the library. He said the council has not asked for a really thorough analysis of the Bon and Sears buildings. Mr. Miller said the concept of mixed-use made sense to him. He was uncom- fortable with locating the library west of Charnelton Street. He felt that the goal of intensifying activity on the mall would only be realized by location on the east side of the street on the mall. He proposed that the City select a location, develop a plan, and go to the table with developers. Mr. Miller liked the parking concept developed. Ms. Ehrman observed that the Bon and Sears buildings had not been considered by the Future of the Library Committee. She thanked the staff for the work they had done to investigate the use of these buildings. She said that libraries are special structures due to the weight of the stacks and general- ly a library must be built. Ms. Ehrman pointed out that the Bon and Sears buildings are not owned by the City and would have to be acquired. Ms. Ehrman liked the idea of locating the library next to the mall on Charnelton Street. She felt that this would attract downtown retailers and other estab- lishments. The committee felt mixed-use was definitely an option, and she was willing to consider this. She noted that a mixed-use approach could be phased. Ms. Ehrman approved of the parking plan Mr. Luell had developed. Ms. Bascom said she did not want the council to have such a small vision of what the downtown can do that it loses the chance to make it a vital, alive place. She felt that with this project, the City has the chance to revital- ize downtown. She noted that the community was a university community and there was great interest in a library. Ms. Bascom felt the parking scheme was creative and interesting. She said the library could give definition to downtown and applauded the visual impact of such a structure at the west end of the mall. Ms. Bascom said she would like to revisit the costs of a li- brary structure at the smaller size being proposed. She proposed that the council go to the community for the necessary funds and not decide what the voters will or will not accept until a good plan has been developed. Mr. Holmer said he liked the idea of subsurface parking, but wondered how much more expensive it was than a parking structure. Mr. Holmer said he wanted to know what the costs of parking and the structure would be. He said he would prefer an 8th Avenue and Willamette Street location as opposed to the Charnel ton site. Mr. Holmer did not support rebuilding either of the retail stores, and said he was open to the idea of mixed-use. MINUTES-~Eugene City Council May 23, 1988 Page 6