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$60M Expansion Of 5th Street Public Market Unveiled

Downtown Eugene will see a $60 million development begin this year. Today, developers and partners unveiled an expansion of the 5th Street Public Market, that’ll replace a parking lot. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports.

The project consists of an 82-room boutique hotel, a 113-unit apartment building, and a three-story retail and office complex.  It’ll be built on land owned by Lane County, and leased to Obie Companies.

Credit Brian Bull / KLCC
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KLCC
Casey Barrett of Obie Companies, detailing the planned expansion at today's press conference.

Its Vice-President, Casey Barrett, says the development means more economic growth for the region.

“Right now the 5th Street Public Market brings in over a million and a half people a year," says Barrett.

"And we’re effectively doubling the size of the market with this expansion. So we wouldn’t be surprised if we’d be able to see a double in the number of people that we’re bringing down. Which would be incredible.

Credit Obie Companies
Schematic for the planned expansion, set to break ground later in 2018.

"Obviously that’s why we also need to create a larger regional draw, so we can pull more from the communities surrounding, the Florences, the Roseburgs, the Albanys, and create more of a destination in downtown Eugene.”

Credit Obie Companies
The Gordon Hotel, named for Gordon Obie, is part of the expansion.

Groundbreaking is expected to happen later this year. The goal is to have everything built and open for business in 2021, in time for the World Track and Field Championships.

Copyright 2018, KLCC.

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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