Why is the riverfront property being sold?

In the last five years, EWEB has consolidated nearly all employees and operations at the Roosevelt Operations Center to improve efficiency and productivity, making the headquarters buildings largely unnecessary.

The former downtown headquarters site is the last piece of EWEB’s riverfront property that has been slated for redevelopment as part of the EWEB Riverfront Master Plan, which was finalized in 2010 after consulting with hundreds of community members under the guidance of a Community Advisory Team.

What did the Eugene City Council approve on Monday, Jan. 30?

The Eugene City Council approved the proposed terms and details for the City of Eugene to purchase EWEB’s former headquarters site for $12 million at its January 30 meeting. The purchase will provide space for an accessible City Hall and some City services while retaining public ownership of a valuable public building space along the river for better access and service to the community.

When did EWEB first begin the process of selling the former headquarters property?

In 2007, EWEB partnered with the city and other community stakeholders on the Riverfront Master Plan that was completed in 2010. The plan charted out improvements for an area that once held storage yards and other equipment facilities and is now home to the riverfront park and will feature many homes and businesses. In 2018, EWEB declared the former headquarters property surplus when the decision was made to consolidate EWEB staff at their Roosevelt Operation Center in West Eugene.

Then, last spring, EWEB developed and issued a rigorous request for proposals (RFP) process that drew significant public attention to the site. After the RFP process didn’t produce a buyer, EWEB’s five-member elected Board of Commissioners granted authority to the general manager to negotiate and execute the sale of the property.

What kind of customer service functionality will EWEB retain at the property?

Under the City’s proposal, EWEB will be able to maintain a shared public-facing space where customers can make an appointment to conduct EWEB business. We understand that sometimes things are accomplished better through in-person service. For example, helping a customer who’s struggling to understand their bill, or needs extra help learning to use the customer portal. Our Customer Service Analysts also provide solutions for customers who need special assistance setting up their account, such as notarizing a guarantor form, or verifying a social security number that can’t be confirmed through our standard identity check.  EWEB’s Lobby Team has a bilingual Customer Service Analyst who is also available by appointment.

Why does EWEB want to sell to the City? 

Partnering with the City for the final piece of this riverfront property offers a unique opportunity to make possible a City Hall located on the banks of the Willamette River and adjacent to the burgeoning riverfront neighborhood. The plan also allows the City to consolidate services, provide ease of access to City services with  a significant savings to the community. Based on the City’s plan, it appears only minor changes to the buildings are required, increasing the likelihood that the City’s vision for the use of the property is practical and achievable. 

What will the City do with the property?

The City plans to create a City Hall and Council chambers, consolidate multiple City services to serve the community and partner with EWEB on a shared space for community members to do business. 

How will a riverfront City Hall benefit the entire Eugene community?

A riverfront City Hall will provide an accessible location, with ample parking, where community members will conduct City and EWEB business.  Visitors will have access to the public space along the riverfront and the City will continue to operate and maintain the public fountain for the community’s enjoyment.  This was a fiscally responsible choice for the City saving millions of dollars compared to the cost of constructing a new City Hall.

What is the next step in the process?

Using the outline of terms approved by Eugene City Council and the delegated authority from EWEB’s Board of Commissioners, EWEB and the City will finalize the details of a Purchase and Sale Agreement.  We aim to close the transaction by July 1, 2023.