The Eugene City Council voted 7-1 approving proposed terms and details for the City of Eugene to purchase the former headquarters site of the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) at its January 30 Special Meeting. The purchase will provide space for an accessible City Hall and some City services while retaining public ownership of a valuable public building space along the river for better access and service to the community. The terms of the deal include the 4.4-acre property, which includes two buildings and parking lots, for $12 million.
“The plan of establishing a new City Hall for the community is being realized,” said City Manager Sarah Medary. “This site will establish a place for civic and community engagement, a public space on the river, increase ease of access to City services and provide long term savings to the community. I appreciate our councilors for their thoughtful decision making that brought us to this important point in our history and a location for our next city hall.”
“The Eugene City Council has worked for many years to determine a permanent home for City Hall and funds have been designated for this purpose for a long time,” said Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis. “Housing City Hall at the 4.4-acre riverfront property will provide many opportunities for community use, and I’m personally looking forward to the greater connection of downtown and the downtown riverfront.”
The City services that will relocate to the newly purchased site have not yet been determined and are expected to move in phases. City staff and services are currently located in several buildings throughout city limits and several services will remain in their current locations. A purchase agreement will be drafted in the coming weeks with a tentative close date expected in the next few months. City Council meetings can be viewed live or later on the City’s website.
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