Open Space and Civic Ambitions

The fallow North Butterfly Lot as seen from Oak Street (Google Street View).

It’s déjà vu all over again: the City of Eugene stands once more at a pivotal moment in defining its downtown identity. Two parcels—the undeveloped corner of the downtown Park Blocks (a.k.a. the “North Butterfly Lot”), once eyed for a new City Hall, and the former City Hall site, now a parking lot owned by Lane County—await direction. With City Hall now settled in the former EWEB headquarters, the roles of the two sites demand fresh consideration. Community voices, and practical matters, offer starting points, but their future hinges on pending decisions. 

The Park Blocks have long been a public anchor for downtown. Nevertheless, the City of Eugene is proceeding with plans to privatize the undeveloped North Butterfly parcel. The plans include a Zone change from PL Public Land to C-3 Major Commercial. City planners contend that the property’s current zoning limits redevelopment opportunities, favoring the C-3 Major Commercial zone change to enable more housing downtown. Toward achieving this goal, the City will issue a formal Request for Proposals to developers that will include the stipulation that all responses must include housing as a primary component. 

In a March 27 letter to the Eugene Weekly (as well as in his subsequent April 6 guest column in the Register-Guard), William Sullivan opposes this idea, agreeing with Mayor Kaarin Knudson that downtown needs housing but arguing that the Park Blocks site is too small for an apartment building and its parking needs. He calls for a park-focused design competition instead, suggesting features like a playground, a giant “EUGENE” sculpture, bigleaf maple trees, a Frog memorial bench, and a SLUG queen throne to reflect Eugene’s quirks. 

"OTTAWA" sign in Ottawa, Canada. William Sullivan proposes a similar "EUGENE" sign/sculpture for the Park Blocks (my photo).

I do not share Sullivan’s size concern; the parcel is no smaller than the site of the former Lane Community College Downtown Center/Montgomery Ward department store at 1055 Willamette Street. That property is earmarked for replacement with a new apartment complex, for which construction is on track to begin this year. Nor will any mandate to provide associated vehicle parking present an issue as the City of Eugene recently eliminated minimum parking requirements citywide; in any event, existing nearby parking facilities can absorb much of the demand generated by any new development. 

I do agree with William Sullivan that a multifamily housing project feels out of place here; importantly, city founder Eugene Skinner donated the land to the City for its express use as a civic square, not for its eventual sale or lease to a private developer. I believe a public use that activates and frames the northwest quadrant of the Park Blocks would better serve its role as the downtown’s most important open space. An apartment building risks feeling out of place unless its ground floor prioritizes active, public uses. While mixed-use buildings often shape successful squares, I believe this site needs an architectural punctuation mark, not just fabric. 

The Farmers Market Pavilion already provides indoor event space, so duplicating that function seems redundant. Instead, picture a stage framed by a sleek, modern arch for outdoor performances, paired with support facilities and a café—a lively, public-oriented backdrop—with commercial spaces behind facing 7th Avenue. This could buffer 7th Avenue noise, enclose the north end, and if scaled right, complement the park’s openness. This approach aligns with the Park Blocks’ legacy as a communal hub, enhancing rather than encroaching upon it. 

The Park Blocks (left) and the County-owned parking lot (right). The North Butterfly Lot parcel is outlined by the yellow dashed line.

A block away, the former City Hall site (bounded by Pearl Street on the west, 7th Avenue on the north, High Street on the east, and 8th Avenue on the south) presents a different challenge. Since Lane County took ownership in a 2018 land swap with the City of Eugene, the lot has served as a 285-space parking facility—a stopgap after plans for a new county courthouse faltered. The existing courthouse, built in 1954, struggles with accessibility, inadequate space, and outdated systems, handling 33,000 cases annually in cramped quarters. In 2018-2019, I contributed to the conceptual design of a proposed Lane County Justice Center, including a new courthouse, as part of a team led by Robertson/Sherwood/Architects with DLR Group’s Justice+Civic studio. Our vision underpinned a $252 million bond measure, but it failed with 58% of voters opposed, leaving the site’s future unclear. Today, it generates parking revenue—a practical use—but it falls short of its civic potential. Reserving the property for a justice center still makes sense—no viable alternative site has emerged, and the county’s long-term needs persist. 

In her April 3 letter to the Eugene Weekly in response to William Sullivan’s own the week before, Maureen McClain suggested the now County-owned block might host housing rather than a new courthouse, a nod to Eugene’s residential shortfall. Could Lane County pivot to private development? It’s plausible. The site’s value and the city’s housing crunch might entice a sale or lease for apartments or mixed-use projects, especially if courthouse funding remains elusive. However, the land swap’s public-use intent, zoning hurdles, and community attachment to civic spaces could complicate such a shift. And what other site exists downtown that could accommodate a future County courthouse? For now, the parking lot endures, its fate tied to fiscal realities and political will. 

Blocking diagram of one of the 2018 Lane County Justice Center development scenarios (Robertson/Sherwood/Architects w/DLR Group).

If neither the North Butterfly Lot nor the former City Hall site are appropriate for accommodating much needed housing, where do such properties exist? If I could wave a magic wand, and if I had the means to make it happen, my first target would be one of the several surface parking lots, such as the one at 10th and High (owned by Broadway Pearl Associates, LLC) or the lot at Broadway and Pearl (owned by Diamond parking). I imagine such centrally located opportunities as ideal sites, practical alternatives for mixed-use projects that include significant housing components. 

Together, the North Butterfly Lot and the former City Hall block raise a core question: how should Eugene balance utility, growth, and identity? The Park Blocks deserve a civic anchor that preserves their public role, while the former City Hall site holds potential for infrastructure that meets long-term needs.  Should housing override the North Butterfly Lot’s public legacy, or should the City secure it as a defining civic space for the Park Blocks? The answer will shape downtown’s future. 

Reimagining the PeaceHealth University District Campus

 

Bird's eye view of the PeaceHealth University District campus from the east looking west. Alder Street is in the foreground, 13th Avenue bounds the south side of the campus, 11th Avenue is on the north side, and Patterson Street is on the west. (Google Maps)

PeaceHealth's recent announcement to sell, lease, or redevelop its University District campus presents a significant opportunity for Eugene. This 12.5-acre property, with its mix of hospital buildings, medical offices, parking garages, and open land, offers immense potential to advance the city's goals for its urban future, including the provision of much-needed housing. 

Before PeaceHealth expanded the University District campus in the 1980s, I remember the stretch of 13th Avenue between Patterson Street and Alder Street being a small-scale and charming precinct. The area featured assorted local businesses. A favorite of mine was Poppi's restaurant, which was well-liked as much for its cozy atmosphere as it was for its flavorful Greek cuisine. Poppi’s was part of a vibrant community composed of eclectic shops and niche dining experiences, one that we lost with the expansion of the hospital and parking structures.(1)

PeaceHealth intends to retain all existing clinics in their current locations during and after the sale of the University District campus. Long-term, PeaceHealth is exploring alternate locations for all remaining UD services; however, in the coming year, clinics and services will remain open in their current locations. Notably, PeaceHealth has stipulated that any redevelopment must retain the inpatient behavioral health facility as a tenant. 

The University of Oregon has already opted out of any direct involvement in the future of the site. While the university's decision may disappoint some, it opens the door for a broader range of possibilities. PeaceHealth notified Bushnell University about the sale and will connect them with the broker team (Jones Lang LaSalle) and potential future developers. Bushnell University currently leases space on the University District campus for its nursing program; this space includes clinical labs, classrooms, and faculty offices. While there hasn't been a formal announcement of interest from Bushnell, their existing presence on the campus could lead to potential collaboration or expansion. 

A mixed-use development would offer undeniable benefits. Such a solution is an admittedly predictable response; nevertheless, a mixed-use plan makes eminent sense and would help ensure a locally focused, walkable environment. The site is already rated a “Walker’s Paradise” with a Walk Score of 91 but imagine a streetscape that seamlessly ties together the university and the adjacent West University neighborhood. There’s no reason why the future redevelopment of the PeaceHealth University District site should not improve on this already laudable rating.(2) 

The campus is zoned under a mix of Eugene’s C-2 (Community Commercial) and C-3 (Major Commercial) building codes. These zoning designations allow for large-scale projects, including housing, retail, and more. The potential density of the redevelopment could be substantial, with the possibility of accommodating a significant number of residential units, commercial spaces, and community amenities. Given the scale and impact of this redevelopment, it would undoubtedly be classified as a "major" project and require a formal Site Review. This review process would trigger extensive regulatory scrutiny and public involvement to ensure the project aligns with community goals and regulatory requirements. 

Though of relatively recent vintage, the main hospital building at 1255 Hilyard Street may end up being demolished. If a prospective developer chooses to retain it, adaptive reuse will present significant challenges. The geometry and depth of the floor plates make conversion to residential units difficult, and the current market for office space in Eugene is soft, with high vacancy rates and relatively low demand. Therefore, while adaptive reuse is a sustainable approach, it may not be the most practical or attractive option for developers. 

Reflecting on the past vibrancy of 13th Avenue underscores the potential for the future redevelopment to restore and enhance a sense of community. When considering the scale of this redevelopment, it's worth discussing how it might be executed. Should a single developer manage the entire project, or should it be built out incrementally? A single developer can ensure a cohesive vision and streamlined execution, leading to a more unified aesthetic and functional design, potentially reducing conflicts and inefficiencies that might arise from multiple stakeholders. However, large-scale projects managed by a single developer can sometimes lack the organic feel and adaptability that smaller, incremental developments offer. There's also the risk of creating a monolithic environment that may not fully integrate with the existing urban fabric. 

Incremental development, as advocated by Christopher Alexander and his associates in their book A New Theory of Urban Design, promotes organic growth and adaptability. This approach allows the project to evolve in response to local needs and market conditions, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Each phase of development can enhance its surroundings, creating a more harmonious and sustainable urban environment. However, managing incremental development can be complex, requiring coordination among various developers and stakeholders. It may also take longer to realize the full potential of the site, which could delay the benefits of the redevelopment. 

Alexander's principles emphasize the importance of piecemeal growth in the creation of larger wholes. Each new project should adapt to and enhance its surroundings, contributing to a continuous structure of interconnected spaces. This approach can lead to a rich and cohesive urban area, reminiscent of neighborhoods that developed organically over time. 

A hybrid strategy might be the most effective. Combining the cohesive vision of a single developer with the adaptability and organic growth of incremental development allows for a unified vision while remaining flexible enough to adapt to changing needs and conditions. Practically, this could involve a master plan developed by a single entity, with phased implementation allowing for adjustments based on market conditions and community feedback. Done right, the PeaceHealth University District Campus could become a thriving hub that benefits all of Eugene by virtue of its density, walkability, and mix of uses. 

Rendering of Mirvish Village, a proposed mixed-use development in Toronto, Canada. The project will include market-rate and affordable rental housing, offices, retail, and public spaces, featuring fine-grained details at ground level and narrow towers as high as 26 stories above (Westbank Corp is the developer; Henriquez Partners are the architects). 

To visualize this, imagine a development where residential units sit above ground-floor retail spaces, creating a lively streetscape. The mix of uses could include apartments, condominiums, and townhouses, catering to a diverse population beyond just the student demographic, which is already being served by various recent and proposed apartment buildings. Retail spaces might host local businesses, cafes, and restaurants, fostering a sense of community. A small supermarket would provide convenient access to daily necessities, while a hotel could accommodate visitors and boost local tourism. 

What about the existing parking structures? It makes sense to retain them. Doing so would largely satisfy the parking needs of the development, reducing any demand for additional parking facilities and allowing more space to be dedicated to pedestrian-friendly areas. Admittedly, in this regard, the parking structure that fronts Patterson Street poses a dilemma, but that may be excusable if the remainder of the development punches above its weight on the walkability scale. 

Ideally, strolling through the redevelopment—particularly along both 13th Avenue and Alder Street—would be visually engaging. Unique buildings, public art, and active street fronts should reward pedestrians. In my view, the redevelopment should additionally include a significant, coherent, and well-shaped urban space—such as a plaza or courtyard—a place for people to gather, relax, enjoy a street performance, and watch passersby. Alternatively, this space might be more parklike, with seating areas, playgrounds, and green spaces for relaxation. The overarching goal would be to enhance the social fabric of the neighborhood. 

By integrating these elements, the redevelopment of the PeaceHealth University District Campus could be the kind of vibrant, sustainable, and connected urban environment planners dream of. This project represents a unique opportunity to thoughtfully foster a sense of place and community that would resonate for generations to come. Including a range of housing types—certainly affordable units among them—would ensure inclusivity and meet diverse community needs. Time will tell if this vision can be fully realized. I'm interested to see how the redevelopment will unfold and whether it will meet our high hopes and expectations. 

(1)  Poppi's (now Poppi's Anatolia) relocated to 992 Willamette Street in 1988 to make way for expansion of the PeaceHealth (Sacred Heart) University District campus.

(2)  The Walk Score of 91, means daily errands do not require a car. The transit score is 56 (nearby public transportation options are available), while the bike score is a perfect 100. Overall, the location is already within the most walkable neighborhood in Eugene.

Victoria, B.C.

 

The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, B.C. (photo by Dllu, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

 
Just a brief entry this week: I’m in Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, Canada. A smallish city (population 91,867), Victoria nonetheless presents a rich architectural and urban fabric shaped by its layered histories. Its built environment reflects colonial ambitions, regional adaptation, and contemporary evolution.
 
The city’s architectural identity is perhaps most famously embodied in the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and The Empress Hotel, both designed by Francis Rattenbury and each a grandiose expression of late 19th-century imperial confidence. Their monumental stone facades and Edwardian flourishes assert a presence that has long defined the Inner Harbour. Beyond these landmarks, Victoria boasts an extensive collection of other heritage buildings—ranging from Queen Anne and Italianate commercial structures to Arts and Crafts residences in neighborhoods like Rockland—that lend a tangible sense of continuity with the past. At the same time, contemporary interventions, such as the TELUS Ocean Building now taking shape, reflect a shift toward glassy modernism and densification, particularly in the downtown core.
 
Victoria’s urban realm is another defining feature. Unlike many North American cities, its compact, walkable scale remains intact. The human-centered streetscapes, punctuated by pocket parks and waterfront vistas, support a civic life that prioritizes pedestrians over automobiles. The city has also embraced cycling infrastructure, further reinforcing its European-influenced urban sensibility.
 
This is my first visit to Victoria in decades, so I’ve been curious to observe how its architectural and planning traditions have evolved since I last was here during the 1980s. How has the city reconciled its architectural and cultural heritage with the pressures of growth and affordability? How do new developments contribute—or detract—from its established character? Victoria does offer a compelling study in balancing past and future, tradition and innovation.

Exciting Career Opportunities at Robertson/Sherwood/Architects pc

As many of you know, I recently retired following a fulfilling career as an architect, spending the last 36 years with Robertson/Sherwood/Architects (RSA) in Eugene, Oregon. I'm thrilled to share that RSA is currently looking to expand their talented team by filling two open positions: Project Architect/Project Manager and Designer. 

Due to an increased workload and a growing portfolio of exciting projects, RSA is seeking enthusiastic, career-oriented individuals to join their team. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a firm known for its attention to detail, focus on service, emphasis on collaboration, and supportive, family-friendly office culture. 

Project Architect/Project Manager

RSA is on the lookout for a dedicated individual to take on the role of Project Architect/Project Manager. This position involves overseeing the design team's efforts from initial planning through to construction administration, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

Key Qualifications:

• Demonstrable design talent and critical thinking skills
• Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for teamwork
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience
• Proficiency with Revit, InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite, and Office 365 is highly desirable

Designer

RSA is also seeking a creative and career-oriented individual to join their team as a Designer. This role involves contributing to the development of projects from conceptual planning through construction administration. 

Key Qualifications:

• Demonstrable design talent and critical thinking skills
• Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for teamwork
• Architecture degree from a NAAB accredited program or equivalent
• Proficiency with Revit, InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite, and Office 365 is highly desirable

RSA’s diverse portfolio of project types provides exciting opportunities for professional growth. The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401k plan, company-paid medical insurance, short-term/long-term disability insurance, transit/parking passes, and more.

Interested?

If you or someone you know is interested in these opportunities, please send your resume (and work samples as a PDF or link to your online portfolio) by email to info@robertsonsherwood.com.

Designing for Experience

Gamble House porch – Greene and Greene, Architects (photo by Mattnad, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

 

Architecture transcends form and function. It is a lived experience that shapes how we perceive, feel, and belong in spaces. The environments we inhabit influence our emotions and sense of place, extending beyond mere aesthetics and utility. A phenomenological approach to design places the human dimension at the forefront, focusing on how individuals engage with and experience their surroundings over time.
 
When I first studied architecture, human experience was not at the forefront of my design thinking. Instead, I was drawn to the conceptual abstraction found in the work of certain architects I admired. These practitioners seemingly focused more on abstract theories than principles founded on experientiality or sensory engagement. Their designs distilled complex ideas into seductive forms, while emphasizing intellectual rigor over emotional or physical resonance. I found their cerebral and aesthetic approaches captivating.
 
This perspective shifted during my studies at the University of Oregon under Professor Bill Kleinsasser. His course, Experiential Considerations in Architecture, introduced a transformative lens, emphasizing a design approach that prioritizes human needs and contextual harmony over theoretical abstraction. Bill highlighted the dynamic, subjective nature of existence, a view I later recognized as aligned with phenomenology.
 
Martin Heidegger’s 1951 essay Building, Dwelling, Thinking provided a profound framework for phenomenology and understanding architecture’s role in human existence. He shifted the focus from buildings as static objects to environments that facilitate meaningful dwelling, fostering a deeper connection between people and place. This concept of dwelling, grounded in physical and existential experience, influenced later thinkers and architects who have built on the idea of engaging all the senses in design.
 
In his book The Eyes of the Skin (1996), Juhani Pallasmaa critiqued architecture’s tendency to overemphasize the visual, advocating for a more holistic, multisensory approach to design. In this regard, Pallasmaa’s critique builds on Heidegger’s notion of dwelling, further expanding the architectural experience beyond sight to include other senses that foster a more holistic engagement with space.

Interior, Therme Vals (photo from 7132 Hotels: Experience Serenity: Peter Zumthor Thermal Baths at 7132, Vals, Switzerland)

 

Peter Zumthor’s Therme Vals (1996) project in Switzerland exemplifies this emphasis. Its subterranean stone corridors, muted light, warm humidity, and resonant acoustics engage the body holistically, creating a multisensory experience that goes beyond the visual. For Zumthor, the materiality of stone, wood, and concrete is not just a visual experience; it invites tactile, acoustic, and even olfactory engagement, reminding us that true dwelling happens not only in the mind, but through the full spectrum of our senses.
 
Similarly, Steven Holl’s Chapel of St. Ignatius (1997) in Seattle prioritizes spatial experience over visual dominance. The sequence of intimate, textured volumes—rough concrete meeting smooth wood—combined with acoustic stillness, fosters contemplation and creates an atmosphere that is felt as much as seen.
 
Architectural taxonomists categorize Charles W. Moore as another well-known architectural phenomenologist. Charles, whom I had the privilege of working with and knowing during my years in Los Angeles, applied an experiential approach to his work, fully embracing playfulness and narrative. The Oceanside Civic Center (1986) exemplifies this approach. Rather than adhering to rigid modernist formulas, the Civic Center creates a dynamic and engaging experience. Vibrant colors, layered references, and an interplay between interior and exterior spaces make the environment feel both engaging and accessible, fostering a strong civic identity while being inviting. The design underscores the idea that spaces should evoke emotional connections, as an environment that fosters community and well-being.

 

Just as the work of Zumthor, Hall, and Moore emphasizes the emotional and narrative dimensions of space, the focus on human experience also extends to the urban context. Kevin Lynch explored how people perceive and navigate cities, emphasizing elements that create coherence, meaning, and a sense of place. In The Image of the City (1960), he identified legibility—the ability to mentally map and emotionally connect with one’s surroundings—as an essential component of urban experience.
 
Christopher Alexander’s theories strongly support design with experiential considerations in mind. He championed intuitive, emotionally resonant, and contextually grounded design processes, opposing mechanistic approaches that prioritize abstraction over lived experience. In A Pattern Language (1977), Alexander and his co-authors, Sara Ishikawa and Murray Silverstein, identified intuitive patterns that contribute to livable, meaningful spaces. The enduring appeal of these patterns lies in their ability to form a bridge between past experiences and the design of new environments.
 
Alexander asserted that certain spatial arrangements—such as small public squares that encourage gathering or window seats that invite reflection—resonate with people on an elemental level. His book The Timeless Way of Building (1979) introduced the concept of the “quality without a name,” an indefinable yet deeply felt essence that makes spaces feel alive and meaningful. This essence aligns with Heidegger’s notion of dwelling and Pallasmaa’s multisensory focus. 

An experiential approach to design is clear in the Gamble House (1908), designed by Greene and Greene. The house features rich, tactile materials like wood, stone, and copper, creating an intimate and sensory experience. The design incorporates carefully crafted details that invite touch, such as handcrafted furniture and textured surfaces. Carefully placed openings frame views to the surrounding landscape. The Gamble House emphasizes comfort, warmth, and an organic sense of dwelling—qualities that resonate with Heidegger’s notion of place and belonging (despite predating Heidegger's ideas).  

More contemporary applications of these principles extend this legacy. Frank Gehry’s Maggie’s Centre Dundee (2003) in Scotland, a cancer care facility, features an undulating roof, warm timber interiors, and garden views, offering solace through tactile comfort and natural soundscapes. Tadao Ando’s Church of Light in Japan is a minimalist example, a simple yet profound exploration of concrete, light, and shadow. The meditative space encourages introspection and spiritual engagement. The experience of moving through the space and encountering natural light is both physical and emotional, making it a deeply phenomenological.  

The spaces we occupy shape our emotions, memories, and sense of identity, deepening the significance of place. The patina of weathered materials or the rhythm of spatial transitions can deepen these connections, making a place feel lived-in and meaningful.  

Buildings are not static; they are shaped by human life and interactions, evolving through experience and adaptation to new needs and contexts. In an era when globalized design tends toward uniformity, phenomenology offers a vital framework to prioritize the human dimension, crafting spaces that resonate deeply with their inhabitants.