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floor retail, restaurants, and sidewalk activities such as outdoor cafes are specifically encouraged along this street. In 2002, Broadway was reopened to accommodate automobiles, with enhanced public spaces and pedestrian amenities. The redesign honors the unique role of this street as a public venue for such events as the Eugene Celebration and First Night. Improved pedestrian crossings at Broadway and Mill are included in the planned transportation improvements for the Courthouse District. These improvements are opportunities to create a gateway into downtown from State Highway 99 (Franklin Boulevard). 8th Avenue Historically, 8th Avenue has functioned as a "Civic Street." It was the location for the Park Blocks, originally including all four comers of 8th and Oak. The 1875 City Hall, which included a j ail and firehouse, and the Lane County Courthouse were all located on 8th Avenue. This avenue is still the location for major public buildings, including City Hall and the County Courthouse. The new Federal Courthouse will continue this tradition, with its location on 8th Avenue east of Mill. The civic character of 8th Avenue should be reinforced through a linked series of existing and planned open spaces. These include the Park Blocks, Cannery Square in front of the new Federal Courthouse, the Millrace, and a proposed riverfront plaza. 8th Avenue is t~le The City has begun the process of creating a concept for a civic center, including a new City Hall and police headquarters, possibly with other local government agencies. The preferred location for the new civic center is on 8th Avenue, between the Park Blocks and Mill Street, either on the existing City Hall site, or on a block facing 8th in the immediate vicinity. 5th Avenue 5th Avenue was an early market street. Today, the downtown urban quality of 5th Avenue stretches from Chamelton Street to High Street. 5th Avenue is the location of a variety of uses and unique building types, ranging from trendy shops and restaurants to the Lane County jail. Existing historic buildings along 5th Avenue have been adapted for modem uses, including the Farmer's Union Building, the Lane Hotel, the Granary, the Oregon Electric Station, and the 5th Street Public Market. This avenue has its own retail character and historical identity, different from the other Great Streets, due to the varied building types, setbacks and activities. Design guidelines for 5th Avenue need to respond to the quirky and fragmentary quality of the avenue, the historic context, and the development potential that exists along its length. These guidelines need to stress filling in the gaps along the street and encouraging buildings with minimal setbacks and parking in the rear. Currently, 5th Avenue ends at the railroad tracks at High Street, with pedestrian access to the riverfront only through a small path in EWEB's parking lot. An improved connection 17