10/23/1985 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

<, ~ e commissions suggest several options for EWEB to consider as it goes through the Eugene code provisions for moving or demolition of an historic landmark. The Eugene Historic Review Board has expressed an interest in working with EWEB in its efforts to preserve the Eugene Mill and Elevator Building. 4. Coordination between the EWEB Master Plan Draft and the Riverfront Research Park. Under the preferred alternative, EWES would play a significant role in development along the city's riverfront area. Both commissions recommended on-going communication between EWEB and the future developer of the Riverfront Research Park to ensure coordination of the riverfront development. This would be particularly needed around the 8th and Hilyard access to the Riverfront. Research Park site and the need for expansion of the Willamette Substation in the same area. v. Recommended Comments To The EWEB Board The following comments have been drafted for the Council's consideration in formulating a set of comments and city position on the draft EWEB Master Plan: l. The siting of an EWEB office building along the riverfront at t~e east of 4th Avenue can make, a significant contribution in helping define a future - public plaza. in this location. During the Greenway review process for this development, particular attention will be paid to the office buildingl s relationship to this future public space, including the building's potential for casting shadows on the plaza. 2. The plan IS potential for strengthening pedestrian connections to the river can be seen in the proposed landscaped walkways along High Street and Fourth Avenue. In addition, as a result of staff discussions subsequent to publication of the draft plan, an opportunity exists for a more direct pedestrian connection through the site, between the office building and High Street along the southern edge of the proposed parking a re as. These proposed improvements, as well as the plan's proposals for significantly increasing landscaping along the riverfront can make a major contribution to improving the riverfront area as an asset to the community. The current draft plan has not addressed landscaping around the Willamette Substation. Because there are a number of unknowns concerning the timing for substation expansion and its effect on the 8th and Hilyard access to the Riverfront Research Park, this issue will be best addressed duri ng f~ture reviews of the site plan as part of the Willamette Greenway review process. 3, The Midgleys Building located at the southeast corner of 4th and High makes a significant contribution to the activity and attractiveness of the area and supports this pedestrian connection from the downtown area to the river. This structure should be retained as long as possible, in e recognition of its contribution to the area. Replacing the Midgleys Building with a surface parking area providing space for 72 cars is not responsive to city policies for retaining intensity and diversity in this 3