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ATTACHMENT J Arts & Entertainment District – project information GENERAL BACKGROUND Arts, entertainment, and cultural activities make a significant contribution to a thriving downtown and to a healthy local economy. Currently, downtown Eugene is home to a wide array of entertainment options including: theater, dance, concerts, art galleries, and restaurants. Most of these are located along Willamette and Broadway or take place in the Park Blocks. With these great foundations in arts and entertainment, a well-defined Arts and entertainment District with a mix of venues and activities would take downtown’s existing activities to the next level and attract more visitors and foster community pride. Lord Leebrick Theatre Company’s property purchase along West Broadway and the success of The Shedd Institute at the eastern end of Broadway provide significant cultural bookends for this key downtown street. Organizations such as DIVA, local galleries and restaurants provide destinations and desired activity in between. Similarly, the Hult Center and the McDonald Theatre and the galleries in between on Willamette provide downtown destinations for residents and visitors in our community. The initiation and support of an Arts and Entertainment District along Broadway and Willamette, and support for the Park Blocks activities would tap the potential of these events and venues to characterize downtown as a rich arts and culture city center. An Arts and Entertainment District in downtown would encompass thth Broadway, from Charnelton to High Street, and Willamette from 7 to 11 avenues. Creating an Arts and Entertainment District requires a concerted, collaborative effort to support and sustain the programs, events, and accessory uses. In conjunction with the Arts and Entertainment district, improvements to the Park Blocks and expansion of available space will support a cornerstone of downtown activity and one of the most significant public event venues in the city. The Park Blocks are the historic center and most identifiable public space in downtown. For the past few years, the Farmer’s Market has expressed a need and desire to expand its offerings to maintain financial viability and potentially operate year- round. JOBS/ECONOMIC IMPACTS ImpactDescription Jobs created within the arts and entertainment sector itself as well as hotel, Permanent Jobs restaurant, and retail jobs supported by visitors to events and performances. Jobs created by new businesses and professionals attracted to the downtown Indirect Economic Impacts because of a large offering of art and culture activities.