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SPECIAL PLACES Special places for economic and social interactions create the vitality needed for a tree downtown environment. Downtown is a collection of special places, including buildings, plazas and parks. These special places are a fundamental component of urban vitality. They draw people downtown for their unique character, intensity and variety of activities. These special places for commerce or recreation reinforce downtown's unique character, based on local history and civic traditions. Not coincidentally, these places are generally located along the Great Streets of Eugene and feature works of public art. These places must be inviting and easily accessible throughout downtown, for planned and serendipitous encounters, for special times and for every day. Special Places Downtown The Park Blocks The Park Blocks are the heart of downtown Eugene, the city's stage for celebration and commerce. They are used on a daily basis as an urban oasis, and they are filled with people during times such as the Saturday Market and Farmers' Market. Strategies to maintain the Park Blocks as the ceremonial center of the city should include consideration of areas that were historically part of the original park, including all four comers of 8th Avenue and Oak Street. Buildings surrounding the Park Blocks are encouraged to maintain or develop street level active uses to contribute to the activity and safety of the Park Blocks. Broadway Plaza Located at the historic crossroads of Willamette and Broadway, Broadway Plaza was designed to provide a special place in downtown. It is used on a regular basis for sitting, eating and talking with friends. It is transformed on special occasions into an outdoor theatre for large public events. It showcases public art, including special paving, the Four Seasons sculptures, and carefully crafted ceramic tiles. An enhanced connection between Broadway Plaza and the Park Blocks is needed to create a prominent pedestrian path between these two downtown destinations. Hult Center and Shedd Institute for the Arts The Hult Center and the Shedd are significant cultural destinations. Performances at both locations bring citizens and visitors to downtown from all over the community and region. The Hult Center Plaza is packed with people during events such as the Eugene Celebration or free performance previews. The Shedd is a recent and wonderful addition to downtown, housed in the former First Baptist Church. This architecturally significant structure is located on Broadway, close to restaurants and shops. In addition to concerts and performances, the Shedd offers instruction and workshops in the arts. Eugene Public Library Our new downtown public library has become a very special place for the community. The library includes both indoor and outdoor public plazas, children's activity area, 20