Agenda Packet 5-15-19 Work Session

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May 15, 2019, Work Session – Item 1 EUGENE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Work Session: Town Square Project Update Meeting Date: May 15, 2019 Agenda Item Number: 1 Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Will Dowdy www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5340 ISSUE STATEMENT This work session is a progress check-in on Eugene’s Town Square Project, which combines the Park Blocks improvements, permanent Farmers Market space, and City Hall building. BACKGROUND The City of Eugene is working to accommodate the current and future needs of Eugene’s City Hall and the Lane County Farmers Market, while reimagining the existing Park Blocks and restoring the Town Square with the recovery of the northwest block (occupied today by the Butterfly Lot). The vision is to locate efficient and accessible government services, provide a permanent location for a year-round public Farmers Market, create a central gathering space for both the immediate neighborhood and broader community, strengthen 8th Avenue as downtown’s connection to the river, and continue the momentum of downtown revitalization. Project Status The Town Square Project has begun the Concept Design phase, which will set the direction for all the subsequent design and construction. The Concept Design includes consideration of the relationships between the different project components; determining basic program, massing and key features; establishing a common palette and other unifying design elements; and specific design concepts with cost estimates. The goal is to develop a finalized concept plan with an overarching narrative through collaboration with City staff, the community, and key stakeholders. The Concept Design will convey a Town Square that embraces Eugene’s community, culture, history, values and civics. City staff has engaged a consultant team led by a local firm, Cameron McCarthy Landscape Architecture and Planning, with Olin, Cogito, Project for Public Spaces, ZGF Architects, DKS Associates, HLB Lighting Design, BHE Group and ACC Cost Consultants. To assist the City throughout the project, staff has hired an Owner’s Representative to manage the project. The Owner’s Representative will help the City complete the Town Square Project on budget, on schedule, and in keeping with the vision established by the users, stakeholders and broader community.