Civic Park, Phase 2 under construction, September 7, 2024 (drone photography by Levi Connelly, Chambers Construction)
Travel along Willamette Street past Civic Park and you’re certain
to notice the flurry of recent construction activity occurring there. Rapidly
taking shape is the second and final phase for Civic Park. As they did for project’s
initial phase, Chambers Construction is leading the construction effort for Phase
2, which will see the completion of the facility’s stadium seating, spectator
concourse, press box, public restrooms, and more. Chambers anticipates wrapping
everything up before the turn of the calendar to 2025.
Following is a terrific interview with Jamin, conducted in-house this
past spring by Skylab’s marketing team. In it, he recalls the project’s
genesis, his key role in assisting the Eugene Civic Alliance and KIDSPORTS with
the development of the earliest concepts for the project, and subsequently
helping to resurrect it in the aftermath of the June 2015 fire that reduced the old Civic Stadium to ashes. Skylab regards this transcript of the interview as
source material for use in their future proposals and marketing efforts. I thank them
for kindly allowing me to publish it here on my blog.
PROJECT INTERVIEW CIVIC PARK
Interview with Jamin AAsum, Senior Associate
5 April 2024
How did the project come to
us?
So, it all started with my
wife. She's involved with a non-profit back in Eugene, where she lived for two
decades, and that's where this whole project unfolded. There was an iconic old
wood baseball stadium from the 1930s, a true landmark in the city. It had been
a community effort back in the Depression, a place with a rich history. People
remember going there for Fourth of July celebrations and local baseball games
for decades. All the high schools even held graduations there. But by the time
I got involved, things were rough. The Eugene Emeralds, a Minor League team,
had left a couple years prior, and the stadium itself was in disuse and
disrepair. The city even wanted to tear it down. There were other proposals on
the table, like selling it to Fred Meyer for a new store.
That's when I got connected
with a local non-profit called KIDSPORTS. They had allied with a local group
that wanted to preserve the stadium they idea was to build a new fieldhouse
next to the stadium and keep using the field and the stadium itself for community
events. They asked me to help design it pro bono. For a year, I did just that—designing
the fieldhouse, creating renderings, and even helping them put together
proposals for the city.
Out of all that effort, a new
non-profit called Eugene Civic Alliance (ECA) was formed. They raised enough
money to buy the stadium, which was fantastic news. We were just getting ready
to move forward with the design and construction when disaster struck. Five or
six kids playing with matches accidentally started a fire in the fieldhouse. It
was all wood, and, although the fire station was just a few blocks away by the
time they arrived, the place was a complete loss.
This huge setback called for a
quick response. They called me right away, asking if I could come down the next
day to help them re-imagine the whole project. So, over that weekend, I
basically sketched out a whole new plan on the fly—a new stadium and a new
fieldhouse. It actually turned out to be a better solution in the end.
That's when things really took
off. Skylab was invited to submit a proposal for the design work, and I already
had a history with the project. We teamed up with a local architect and a
landscape company that I'd been doing pro bono work with—basically the perfect
team already in place. I already knew all the key players, so it was a natural
fit. That's how we landed the job.
Jeff Kovel (left) and Jamin AAsum (seated) of Skylab Architecture, and Matt Scheibe of Cameron McCarthy Landscape Architecture & Planning during a Civic Park design charrette at Skylab's office in Portland.
Do you remember what year that
was? And what was the scope?
I want to say that it burned
down in 2015, and the first phase was constructed in 2018. The whole project
was a massive undertaking—around $35 million. It was a huge fundraising effort
for a non-profit in Eugene. They couldn't raise everything at once, so they
prioritized the fieldhouse and the field itself. Building the field was a
challenge in itself—the ground turned out to be a swamp, requiring expensive
dewatering work. They secured federal funding from a local congressman who got
them federal money, and they secured $6 million from Oregon lottery funds. The
plan was always to raise the rest for the stadium in a second phase, but that
proved difficult. However, a seemingly small detail proved crucial—the permits
for the entire project had to be obtained all at once. This meant they had to
do some minor construction along the way, every year, just to keep the permits
valid. This turned out to be a lifesaver, as it essentially kept the project
alive over the course of several years. They never lost sight of the ultimate
goal, and remarkably, they're building the second phase of the project exactly
according to the design we originally created.
So, what are they building
now?
Construction of the stadium
itself is underway. It's built into the side of a hill, with major streets
flanking both sides of the site. The fieldhouse is already up on the east side.
On the west side, the ground slopes to meet the west side street and the
stadium's concourse level. The stadium will seat just under 3,000 fans, and
construction is progressing. The field level area will house locker rooms,
referee rooms, storage, laundry facilities, and the like. Up on the concourse
level, we have restrooms that cater to the stadium crowd and a press box.
They're also planning concession areas that could potentially host food trucks
and other vendors.
Who's going to use this
facility in addition to them?
The key thing to remember is
that this is a community facility. But it's also designed to be self-sustaining
for the Eugene Civic Alliance non-profit. Their financial projections showed
that renting the stadium out for various events would be a viable income source
that might make them self-sustaining. This includes all the things that used to
happen there – high school games, for example. There's even a local semi-pro
soccer team that will call it their home field. So, it'll be a multi-use space,
accommodating both soccer and football, allowing the high schools to continue
their football tradition there as well. Why did they feel Skylab was the right
fit for them? Nancy Webber(1), who had managed Obama's presidential campaign in
Oregon, played a pivotal role in the project. Her political experience made her
a shrewd fundraiser and negotiator, and she was determined to achieve a
top-notch design. Nonprofits often operate with limited resources and settle
for what they can afford. But Nancy believed KIDSPORTS, a remarkable
organization serving 16,000 kids annually through after-school programs,
deserved the best design. She knew my work and Skylab's reputation for design
excellence, and she championed our involvement. There were additional
connections: the builder of both our houses in Eugene and Portland also built
hers. Nancy's familiarity with me spanned various aspects of our lives and
created a strong foundation for collaboration. She actively sought Skylab's
participation and advocated for us throughout the process.
What else can you tell us
about their goals? For the project? What did the client do other than just the
programming you have already mentioned? What did they need this project to do?
The name "Civic
Alliance" reflects the project's focus on serving the community. While
KIDSPORTS is the primary tenant, acting as the flagship program, the park's
vision extends beyond youth athletics. Once the stadium is complete, it will
cater to a broader range of users, transforming the perception of the space.
The location is truly prime
real estate. Situated directly across from South Eugene High School—the
largest, oldest, and arguably most esteemed high school in Eugene—Civic Park
sits at the heart of a recreational hub. The surrounding area boasts a city
pool, miles of bark dust jogging trails, softball fields, tennis courts,
community pools and a YMCA. This central location ensures the project's high
visibility, making it a landmark recognized by everyone in Eugene.
Aerial view looking southwest. Visible in the foreground are the footings for the yet-to-be-installed aluminum & steel grandstand. Team locker rooms/showers, mechanical & electrical rooms, and storage facilities are located below the concourse.
From a design perspective was
there anything that this project needed to do, or was dictated as part of the
creative brief from the client?
There was definitely an
initial element of surprise about the process of designing. I believe everyone
involved gradually became design enthusiasts as the project progressed. Once
construction was complete, their appreciation for design truly solidified.
Nancy Webber played a crucial
role advocating for design excellence. She functioned as our voice throughout
discussions, emphasizing the importance of exceptional design. Our Eugene-based
partner architect, Robertson/Sherwood/Architects, while serving as the Architect-of-Record,
also championed our design vision. Although we were the design architects, they
fiercely protected our work and meticulously guided all design aspects through
the project. Their dedication continues even now, as they still reach out for
our input on details like color choices and implementation methods.
Skylab values Narrative,
Strategy and Regeneration. What inspired the design that we ended up proposing
to them?
Chambers Construction, a major
Eugene firm and strong supporter of Civic Alliance and KIDSPORTS, was chosen as
the general contractor (GC) for the project. We collaborated closely with them
throughout the process.
Budget was a significant
concern, especially for such a large building with four basketball courts
requiring a vast open space. Chambers Construction initially proposed a
pre-engineered metal building system from Butler, a common choice for
cost-effectiveness. While hesitant about aesthetics, we saw an opportunity. We
proposed a plan to "tweak" Butler's system while still reaping the
cost benefits. The exposed structural elements inside became a unique feature.
Unlike typical hot rolled steel beams, the Butler system consisted of steel
plates assembled together to make beams and columns. This ended up creating a
more substantial and almost athletic feel, and really reflecting the building's
purpose.
A primary focus was the
building's "skin"—its exterior. We utilized a commonly used
box-ribbed metal panel system, but with a twist. We employed two different
scales of the panels and strategically divided the building, creating a
zipper-like effect that visually suggests movement. Additionally, we
incorporated splashes of silver metal panels throughout, originally intended as
windows but ultimately transformed into design elements that echoed the green
accents in the glass.
The green theme continued
inside. We opted for a fully immersive green color palette, incorporating over
20 different shades. Even the wooden gym floor received a green wash treatment.
This extensive use of green, combined with the natural light filtering through
the green-tinted glass, creates a cathedral-like atmosphere.
Finally, we addressed the
conference room located on the second floor. My vision was to make it feel like
the occupants of the room were a watchful presence overlooking the entire
facility. This room, filled with portraits of donors and key figures, cantilevers
over the entrance and out towards the field at an angle. Gesturing towards the
youth. This unique element further enhances the dynamic interplay between
functionality and design.
View from directly above Phase 2.
What were the challenges we
encountered while designing the project?
The project wasn't without its
challenges. Nonprofits are led by volunteer boards, and ours required regular
presentations to ensure financial stewardship. Convincing them of the value of
the design and keeping them on board throughout the process demanded a
concerted effort.
To address these challenges, I
started commuting to the architect's office in downtown Eugene by train with my
bike. This fostered a strong personal connection with both the architect and
the landscape architect. Weekly owner-architect-contractor meetings further
solidified these relationships. This frequent and open communication proved
invaluable in guiding our design vision through the construction phase.
Chambers Construction,
thankfully, proved to be a respectful partner who understood our design intent.
Notably, in collaboration with the landscape architect, Jeff played a key role
in designing a cohesive system around the field. This system seamlessly integrated
the building with the stadium and the surrounding site, which sits nestled into
a hillside.
Can you say more about how we
did that? How do we integrate it?
The landscape design
incorporated the "Skylab touch"—where various angles harmonize to
create a cohesive aesthetic. Originally, berms with trees were planned around
the field, but this concept was rejected due to concerns about encroaching on
playing space. Another alteration involved extending the artificial turf to the
edges, eliminating the berms entirely.
Despite these changes, the
overall landscape plan remains a prominent feature. The building's integration
into the hillside is evident in stadium photos and construction updates. A
significant expense was the massive retaining wall, stretching the length of a
football field or even longer. This two-foot-thick wall with a complex drainage
system was necessary due to the slope behind it, which previously channeled
water into a nearby swamp.
To address this water
challenge and contribute to ecological regeneration, a 150-foot swale was
constructed along the building's east side. This swale collects and purifies
water before it re-enters the ecosystem via Amazon Creek, which ultimately
flows into the river.
Water management was
considered a crucial aspect of the project, not just a challenge to overcome.
The natural drainage system swales and restored habitat are key features. The
field's layered drainage system, designed by the landscape architect with technical
expertise, ensures the field remains consistently perfect in wettest winters.
View of the concourse, looking north. The restrooms building is to the left, and the press box is on the right.
What other hidden opportunity
or moment did we uncover?
To achieve cost-efficiency and
facilitate phased construction, the stadium design utilized a unique approach.
Instead of traditional concrete construction for seating areas, a framework was
built. This elevated the concourse 20-25 feet above the field, allowing for
programmatic space below. We then adapted an off-the-shelf aluminum bleacher
system to seamlessly integrate within this framework.
As with any Skylab project, we
creatively treated these standard components. Additionally, a separate system
incorporated flags, signage, and other graphic elements to unify the visual
experience and connect it to the game atmosphere. For example, the exit
passageways from the field to the underside of the stadium, sometimes referred
to as "vomitoria," were incorporated with color and graphics.
Previously, KIDSPORTS and the
stadium had minimal graphic elements. I collaborated with Nancy Weber to bring
Downstream on board. Their task was to develop a comprehensive graphic identity
for both the project and KIDSPORTS. Essentially, Nancy was urging KIDSPORTS to
embrace a modern approach with a professional branding strategy, including
fonts, colors, and a thematic look that would integrate with the architecture.
Amy DeVall, Interior Designer
at Skylab, created a striking green color scheme with a tonal range. Initially,
it was a challenging sell to the client and the board. Eugene has a certain
aesthetic, and some people worried the design would be too similar to the
University of Oregon's branding. There was a concern about straying too far
from a perceived "Eugene identity." We argued that KIDSPORTS could
have its own unique identity while maintaining consistency across its messaging
and marketing materials. Thankfully, the green scheme has been very well-received,
and even Skylab, with some initial reservations about the extensive green, now
recognizes how effectively it unifies the entire space. The overall experience
is one of complete cohesion, and I'm excited to see how the stadium integrates
into this visual landscape.
What did you think was the
coolest design solution that was kind of offered?
I'm particularly impressed by
how Jeff's landscape design iterations introduced a sense of movement; what
Nike might call "kineticism." The diagonal lines he incorporated
became a recurring motif throughout the project. This is evident in everything
from the signage to the monument street signs.
One of my personal favorites
is the entry signage. It resembles a lightning bolt and serves multiple
purposes. It prominently displays the building's main signage but also
integrates the donor wall, a timeline, and some graphics silkscreened by
Downstream. Multiple panels stretch roughly 60 feet, and guide visitors
entering the building. As you pass the stairs, you transition into the main
building area.
The project was completed a
few months before the pandemic. During that challenging time, I received a call
from Bev Smith, who had recently succeeded Nancy Weber as the leader of the
Civic Alliance. Bev, a two-time Canadian Olympic basketball player and former
UO coach, expressed her immense gratitude. She called our design
"genius" and credited it with saving KIDSPORTS as an organization by
allowing them to function during the covid lockdown.
Previously, KIDSPORTS relied
on after-school programs delivered directly at various schools. Coaches would
transport equipment from a central location, creating logistical challenges.
With school closures and restricted access to fields during COVID, KIDSPORTS'
entire operation was at risk.
Fortunately, the new facility,
with its design and multiple entrances, proved to be a lifesaver. Separate
entry points from the field, originally planned for coaches, kids and injured
players, and a clear front entrance allowed for program segregation and safe
operation outdoors and indoors. Bev couldn't contain her enthusiasm, calling me
multiple times during COVID to express how perfectly the design functioned. It
met all their needs and exceeded expectations.
Personally, this project ranks
among the most fulfilling of my career. The positive feedback, the beautiful
and innovative design, the sustainability aspects—it truly checks all the
boxes. Most importantly, it serves as a valuable and cherished community
resource.
Rendering showing the completed Phase 2.
Anything more you'd like to
say about the sustainability strategies that we used on this?
Daylighting was a major
consideration for the courts, but budget constraints ultimately led to a
compromise. We utilized a daylighting model tested at the UO's daylighting lab
to optimize natural light penetration. While initial plans included skylights for
complete daylight operation, they were removed due to cost. However, the
current design allows for play during the day using only natural light from the
east wall, especially during early mornings when the sun doesn't hit the
opposing side. This aligns perfectly with after-school program schedules.
The offices on the west side
of the second floor have deep sunscreens integrated into the window system to
manage afternoon sun exposure.
We previously discussed how
the natural landscape influenced the stadium's nestled design. Here's another
interesting detail: On the north side of the property, there was an existing
pathway connecting the neighborhood on the hilltop to the high school. The city
facilitated negotiations with Civic Lions Club, who donated a small triangular
parcel of land for a park. This donation included a landscaped pathway
dedicated to a local female cyclist, athlete, and youth advocate who tragically
passed away. The pathway has a special name that I can't recall at the moment,
but it holds significant meaning to the community. This Z-shaped path winds
down the north side, separate from the fenced area around the field and
stadium, creating a peaceful community space that beautifully integrates giving
back to the community. An additional safety measure implemented was a stoplight
to assist children crossing the busy Amazon Parkway.
(1) Sadly, Nancy passed away recently. She would have been so happy to see Phase 2 fully realized.
