Eugene agency approves $3.11M for 29‑unit Parcel 4 affordable housing, OKs $300K for Riverfront Connections design and allows parking on viaduct open space

The Urban Renewal Agency on July 8 moved forward three riverfront actions aimed at advancing downtown housing and neighborhood connections.

The board voted to allocate funding to support Parcel 4, a proposed four‑story, 29‑unit affordable housing building targeted to households at or below 60% of area median income. Amanda D’Souza, development programs manager, told the board the development team estimates total project costs just under $17,000,000 and requested $3,110,000 in riverfront urban renewal funds (about $107,000 per unit). The board approved the Parcel 4 funding by unanimous vote.

Separately, the agency approved a reduced allocation of $300,000 to move the Riverfront Connections project through schematic design and cost estimating for an initial phase that would relocate a City Hall backup generator and improve a pedestrian and parking connection between the park, City Hall and the proposed development parcels. Will Dowdy, community development director, said staff’s early estimate for the first phase is about $2,000,000 but noted “significant unknowns” that require further study; the $300,000 authorization covers design, an owner’s representative and cost estimating so the agency can make a go/no‑go construction decision. That motion passed 6–1.

Finally, the board approved amending project deal points to allow the viaduct open space adjacent to Parcel 4 to be used for tenant parking rather than being developed as privately owned, publicly accessible recreation space. Staff said much of that viaduct area is currently a gravel lot and that accommodating Parcel 4 parking there helps relieve anticipated downtown parking pressures; the change‑of‑use amendment passed 7–0.

Council debate before the votes highlighted differences about priorities and timing. Some board members and staff emphasized that moving the generator and improving the pedestrian connection would address accessibility and neighborhood legibility, and would also make on‑site parking more practical for a future restaurant (Parcel 8) and the affordable housing project. Other members questioned whether relocating the generator or spending several million dollars on the connection was the highest priority at this stage. Staff clarified the $300,000 request is intended to fund design development and cost estimating only, not construction, and that the larger estimated construction cost could be roughly $2,000,000 for the initial phase.

On the parking question, staff said the plan is for the developer to contribute in‑kind assistance related to the adjacent parking lot and that the agency is not committing urban renewal dollars to build the tenant parking lot itself at this time. The agency directed staff to revise the disposition and development agreement to allow the viaduct open space to support the Parcel 4 project.

Next steps: staff will return with refined design work and a detailed cost estimate for Riverfront Connections before any construction authorization; staff will also finalize Parcel 4 project documents consistent with the board’s funding approval.