Item B: Disposition of Real Property

Home Browse Search

compatible with the Federal Courthouse, contribute to the vitality of the downtown, and strengthen the pathway to the riverfront. The proposed redevelopment of this site supports downtown as a strong regional center and draws significant numbers of employees to this key downtown location. The proposed NWCCU investment will support the overall mix of uses envisioned for the courthouse area including the new retail destinations recently established across the street, and strengthen the opportunities for additional commercial investment in this area of downtown. The development will take full advantage of the large transportation infrastructure investment completed for the Courthouse and designed for a use such as the one proposed. The design of the NWCCU facility and overall site concept will be important factors in bringing this area to life and strengthening the key location on the path to the river. The architect selected for the project led the Eugene Water & Electric Board’s (EWEB) Riverfront Master Planning project, and is th well aware of the overall vision and potential for this singular area of downtown and the role of 8 Avenue as the direct link to the riverfront. NWCCU and the architect will work closely with City staff during design of the project. It is important that the development generates positive pedestrian activity, provides an inviting sidewalk experience, and more closely weaves together the core of downtown and the downtown riverfront. A portion of the property is currently being used by the University of Oregon for its Courthouse garden project. The URA and University executed an Intergovernmental Agreement in 2010 that provided for the use of the property through February 23, 2013. The University has indicated that the garden will be discontinued at this site with consolidation on campus being considered at this time. The URA acquired a total of 9.16 acres for $6.3 million, which included the purchase of property from Chiquita ($4.1 million) and AutoCraft ($1.65 million), and relocation costs for AutoCraft ($550,000). th The AutoCraft property also included the .26 acre parcel located on the on the south side of 8 Avenue. The federal government purchased the 4.46 acre Courthouse parcel for $3.8 million. The URA contributed 2.57 acres at no cost for the new road system right-of-way. If the sale of the 1.89 parcel is th approved, the .26 acre parcel south of 8 Avenue will be the only URA-owned property remaining from the property consolidation related to the Courthouse project. RELATED CITY POLICIES The sale and redevelopment of the property addresses many goals for Eugene and downtown, including: Eugene Downtown Plan  Build upon downtown’s role as the center for government, commerce, education and culture in the city and the region.  Downtown development shall support the urban qualities of density, vitality, livability and diversity to create a downtown, urban environment.  Actively pursue public/private development opportunities to achieve the vision for an active, vital, growing downtown.  Use downtown development tools and incentives to encourage development that provides character and density downtown.  Facilitate dense development in the courthouse area and other sites between the core of the downtown and the river. S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M121031\S121031B.doc