For More Information Contact:
Joe Harwood, 685-7471
Eugene Water & Electric Board

Sept. 28, 2009

EWEB to offer sneak peek ‘behind the fences’ tour of HQ site

The Eugene Water & Electric Board will throw open the gates of its riverfront operations site Wednesday evening and provide guided public tours of the 27-acre property as part of the creation of a master plan that will guide the redevelopment of the land.

Wednesday’s kick-off event will give interested members of the public the opportunity to walk “behind the fences” and explore the property.

EWEB will move its operations and maintenance functions – about 250 workers – to a new facility off Roosevelt Boulevard in west Eugene in November 2010. In anticipation of eventually selling the vacated riverfront property, the utility is seeking community input on redevelopment options. EWEB customer service and administrative staff will remain in the Fourth Avenue headquarters building after operations personnel move to Roosevelt.

Site tours will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the North Building, 500 E. Fourth Ave., followed by a background presentation and group discussions on possible future uses for the property. Those attending will also have the opportunity to meet the nine-member Community Advisory Team, a diverse volunteer group appointed by EWEB commissioners and the Eugene City Council to help guide the creation of the master plan. Representatives from Rowell Brokaw Architects, hired by EWEB as the project consultant, will also be on hand to answer questions.

The goal of the master planning process is to create a vibrant, active, multi-use “people place” along Eugene’s downtown riverfront, and also connect downtown with the Willamette River. The master plan is expected to be completed by next summer.

Those attending should wear comfortable shoes to walk the site. Childcare, assisted listening and Spanish translation are available with advance notice. For more information, or to sign up for a tour, go to www.eugeneriverfront.com