Finally, Eugene has its new City Hall!

The new Eugene City Hall (all photos by me)

My wife and I attended last Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony and public open house marking the official opening of Eugene’s new City Hall in the former Eugene Water & Electric Board headquarters building. The ceremony was the happy culmination of a lengthy saga fraught with more than its share of debate, second-guessing, and squandering of resources.(1) In my opinion, the City’s ultimate selection of the EWEB site is already proving to be the most financially responsible and fortuitous choice for the symbolic seat of Eugene’s municipal government.
 
If the sentiments of those who likewise attended the ribbon-cutting were any sign, I am not alone in thinking the City leaders got it right, despite themselves. At the outset, City councilor Mike Clark was alone in championing the idea of purchasing the EWEB building and transforming it to become Eugene’s City Hall. Years from now, I’m certain we will look back and wonder how so many overlooked or dismissed the serendipitous availability of the EWEB building and its unparalleled site. Kudos to Mike, as his persistent advocacy for the idea is now vindicated.
 

The ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The new City Hall consolidates an assortment of city services, including the offices of the Mayor and City Council, City Manager’s Office, Central Services Administration, Employee Resource Center, Equity and Community Engagement, Finance, and Information Services. EWEB will also keep about 1,000 square feet of shared public-facing space for customer appointments. This consolidation increases efficiency for these functions, while improving access to them.
 
I always regarded the EWEB headquarters to be an important public facility by virtue of its physical prominence, visibility, and architectural quality. WEGROUP Architects & Planners designed the building in the characteristically modern idiom the firm was known for (I believe Michael Marczuk was the lead designer), a vocabulary that at once conveyed its public importance while also appearing relaxed and welcoming. At the time of its completion in 1987, the building was exemplary for its implementation of sustainable design principles. Most notable was WEGROUP’s careful attention to capitalizing upon and controlling natural daylight.

Atrium.

 
The design, while not entirely timeless, continues to stand up very well today. The City undertook necessary modifications, including the creation of the new council chamber in the north wing and the introduction of security measures and other improvements required throughout by the building’s new role. Loren Berry, FCSI, AIA—the City of Eugene’s Design & Construction Manager—led the design effort for the renovations. Veronica Shean and Jenna Wheeler of Veronica Shean Interior Design assisted with the selection of new interior finishes and furniture, and Lease Crutcher Lewis was the contractor. The result is a notable refreshing of the building, admirably executed with the lightest of touches.
 

City Council Chamber.

By preserving this prominent and uniquely situated building, the City ensured that it would remain a valuable public asset, rather than allowing it to fall into private hands. The move not only secured an attractive new home for city operations but also demonstrates Eugene’s commitment to sustainability by valuing the energy embodied in the original construction. The building acknowledges the historic importance of the Willamette River to Eugene, providing a seamless connection between it and the city fabric. A landmark of civic pride, the new Eugene City Hall is poised to serve the community for years to come, embodying our community’s values and vision for a sustainable future.
 
 
(1) If you’re interested, read a few of the posts I wrote chronicling the alternative plans, site studies, and financial assessments the City commissioned in its pursuit of a new home, as well as the handwringing by me and my fellow design professionals regarding what Eugene’s City Hall should be.