Eugene Riverfront District Redevelopment Plan

Eugene OR | 2023

The redevelopment of the former Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) riverfront property marks a significant urban transformation, and is a highlight of Martin Gastra van Loon’s master planning career. This ambitious project reunites downtown Eugene with the scenic Willamette River, turning a long-held community vision into reality through years of meticulous planning, design, and collaboration.

A strategic public/private partnership seamlessly integrates the District with the City's new riverfront park, crafting a cultural landscape that celebrates the Willamette river. The Riverfront Park opened to the community in 2021, marking a significant milestone in Eugene's urban evolution.

The overarching vision crafted by Martin and the project team created a dynamic framework of urban spaces that prioritizes people over cars, fostering a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment. At the heart of this redevelopment is the extension of 5th Avenue, leading to a new vibrant public riverfront plaza. This central hub is designed to be surrounded by a diverse mix of uses, including a cafe/restaurant, for-rent apartments with ground-floor retail, and for-sale townhomes.

The project's first phase, encompassing about two-thirds of the area, has seen the completion of essential horizontal infrastructure, including the extension of 5th Avenue. Additionally, the first phase of vertical construction wrapped up in the summer 2024 with the opening of the Heartwood housing project. A second residential development is under construction to be completed in 2025, and construction for a third building is set to break ground soon after. A fourth building phase is currently on the drawing boards.

This project was completed by Martin Glastra van Loon prior to joining Cascadia Partners.