04/09/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Bob Dutcher said when the firm got involved, they made an extensive study of downtown Eugene, where a major retail center could be developed. Mr. Dutcher indicated that the present site plan would give the best layout for a major retail center in the downtown core and would best accommodate department stores, existing retailers, and small stores. The location of a department store on the corner of 8th Avenue and Charnelton Street would require that traffic be rerouted through the alley between 8th and 10th avenues. This would create a two-level continuous mall that would be uninterrupted by traffic patterns. The Centre Court area would be an enclosed mall. Parking would be across the street on 10th Avenue. The plan works from the City's viewpoint, the developer's, and the retailers'. The Bon Marche has indicated that they like downtown and will remain at their present location. Nordstrom has been contacted for the site at 8th Avenue and Charnelton Street. No commitments with any department stores have been reached yet. The proposal would include Sears staying were they are and expanding to the east. If this plan is successful, it would be tremendous for Eugene retailers and residents. It would create two major retail areas for Eugene and provide the greatest uses for the existing transit system. He further stated that, as in Salem where it has been successful, they would lease the center to strengthen the downtown area. Mayor Keller asked about the progress they made with Sears. Mr. Dutcher had no comment at this time. e At Mr. Haws' request, Mr. Dutcher showed him on the map where the traffic would be rerouted through the alley from Charnelton Street. Mr. Haws asked if this would be a three-lane street, east of Oregon Bank. Mr. Dutcher said that it would be east of Oregon Bank, but with the existing number of lanes. Mr. Haws asked if some property would need to be condemned. Mr. Dutcher replied that most of that property is owned by Eugene Renewal Agency. Ms. Schue asked what was proposed for department store site D. Mr. Dutcher said that at this point, it was open for future expansion, but in view of the energy shortage, stores may be moving closer to their potential customers, or this area could be a hotel or office building. VII. CONDOMINIUM CONVERSION UPDATE--Staff presentation of tentative recommenda- tions of Task Force (Memo distributed) Mr. Henry stated that the objective of this would be to have a staff presentation and discussion with the council members for input to the task force for their future work. Mr. Henry introduced Jim Croteau to make the staff presentation. e 4/9/80--5