The Eugene City Council Wednesday gave the go-ahead for a team to move forward with development of the former steam plant along the Willamette River.
The council voted unanimously to have the City Manager enter into exclusive negotiations with the development team. The 26 million dollar proposal would transform the steam plant into a mixed use space including restaurants, arts venues and offices. Counselor Claire Syrett said she’s excited about the project and how it fits with the city’s plans to develop the riverfront.
“It’s energizing. It connects with public aspects of the new park in a really deliberate way.” Syrett said, “And I think will serve a lot of need in terms of a community space in a new neighborhood which will also be a draw for people all over the city.”
The team, led by Mark Miksis of the firm deChase Miksis, hopes to secure funding from a mix of grants, financing, and tax credits. They also have to answer questions around parking.
They hope to have the building ready to serve as a pavilion space for festivities during the 2021 World Track and Field championships. The full redevelopment of the steam plant is expected to be complete in 2022.
Copyright 2019 KLCC.
