The Eugene City Council has approved three motions to help redevelop the former Lane Community College building at 1059 Willamette Street.
The property across from the downtown bus station has sat vacant for more than 10 years.
The developer, deChase Miksis and Edlen & Company, requested expansion of the size of the project to 133 units– 68 of which would be for households earning less than 80% of median income. At their Feb. 28 work session, City Councilor Matt Keating said he applauds the mixed use affordable housing and market rate approach.
“I cannot wait to not only see the cranes in the air but to see the 130 plus homes right on a transit line,” he said. “Right in the heart of our downtown.”
The council unanimously approved the larger number of units, along with $740 million in urban renewal funds, and a 10-year Multi-Unit Property tax exemption (MUPTE). The hope is that construction can start as soon as next year.
But the current building has to be demolished first. The cost of that is estimated near $1 million due to the asbestos abatement necessary.
The building was originally a Montgomery Ward department store before it became the LCC Downtown Center.
The project has become more expensive since it was first approved in 2021.
