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Broadway The pedestrian ambience along parts of Broadway is among the best downtown. It is consistently ranked as a favorite retail location for window shopping and dining. Ground floor retail, restaurants, and sidewalk activities such as outdoor cafes are specifically encouraged along this street. In 2002, Broadway was reopened to accommodate automobiles, with enhanced public spaces and pedestrian amenities. The redesign honors the unique role of this street as a public venue for such events as the Eugene Celebration and First Night. Improved pedestrian crossings at Broadway and Mill are included in the planned transportation improvements for the Courthouse District. These improvements are opportunities to create a gateway into downtown from State Highway 99 (Franklin Boulevard). 8th Avenue Historically, 8th Avenue has functioned as a "Civic Street." It is the location of the Park Blocks, origi- nally including all four corners of 8th and Oak. The 1875 City Hall, which included a jail and firehouse, and the Lane County Courthouse were all located on 8th Avenue. This avenue is still the location of major public buildings, including City Hall and the County Courthouse. The new Federal Courthouse will continue this tradition, with its location on 8th Avenue east of Mill. ~.. ` m The design of Broadway accommodates slow moving vehicles, and provides comfortable space for pedestrians. The civic character of 8th Avenue should be reinforced through a linked series of existing and plamied open spaces. These include the Park Blocks, Cannery Square in front of the new Federal Courthouse, the Millrace, and a proposed riverfront plaza. The City has begun the process of creating a concept for a civic center, including a new City Hall and police headquarters, possibly with other local government agencies. The preferred location for the new civic center is on 8th Avenue, between the Park Blocks and Mill Street, either on the existing City Hall site, or on a block facing 8th Avenue in the immediate vicinity. 5th Avenue Eugene's 5th Avenue was an early market street. Today, the downtown urban quality of 5th Avenue stretches from Charnelton Street to High Street. A variety of uses and unique building types are located on this street, ranging from trendy shops and restaurants to the Lane County jail. Existing historic buildings along 5th Avenue have been adapted for modern uses, including the Farmers' Union Building, the Lane Hotel, the Granary, the Oregon Electric Station, and the 5th Street Public Market. This avenue has its own retail character and historical identity, different from the other Great Streets, due to the varied building types, setbacks and activities. Design guidelines for 5th Avenue need to respond to the quirky and fragmentary qual- ity of the avenue, the historic context, and the development potential that exists along its length. n-, 16 EUGENE DOWNTOWN PLAN • APRIL 2004 Eugene City Council Chambers in the courtyard of City Nall on 8th Avenue at Pearl.