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SPECIAL PLACES <br />Slbecial places for economic and social <br />interactions create the vitality needed for a true <br />dozuntomn environment. Downtown is a collec- <br />tion of special places, including buildings, plazas <br />and parks. These special places are a fundamental <br />component of urban vitality. They draw people <br />downtown for their unique character, intensity and <br />variety of activities. <br />These special places for commerce or recreation <br />reinforce downtown's unique character, based on <br />local history and civic traditions. Not coincidentally, <br />these places are generally located along the Great <br />Streets of Eugene and feature works of public art. <br />These places must be inviting and easily accessible <br />throughout downtown, for planned and serendipi- <br />tous encounters, for special times and for every day. <br />Special Places Downtown <br />The Park Blocks <br />The Park Blocks are the heart of downtown Eugene, <br />the city's stage for celebration and commerce. They <br />are used on a daily basis as an urban oasis, and they <br />are filled with people during times such as the <br />Saturday Market and Farmers' Market. Strategies <br /> <br />The Park Blocks -downtown's gathering place. <br />~~ <br /> <br />-~ <br />~t ~c~i <br />i'ho[o by Samar bominguez <br />Members of The American <br />Music Institute's Song and <br />Dance Gmp performing at <br />5th Street Public Market <br />to maintain the Park Blocks as the ceremonial cen- <br />ter of the city should include consideration of areas <br />that were historically part of the original park, <br />including all four corners of 8th Avenue and Oak <br />Street. Buildings surrounding the Park Blocks are <br />encouraged to maintain or develop street level <br />active uses to contribute to the activity and safety of <br />the Park Blocks. <br />Broadway Plaza <br />Located at the historic crossroads of Willamette and <br />Broadway, Broadway Plaza was designed to provide <br />a special place in downtown. It is used on a regular <br />basis for sitting, eating and talking with friends. It <br />is transformed on special occasions into an outdoor <br />theatre for large public events. It showcases public <br />art, including special paving, the Four Seasons <br />sculptures, and carefully crafted ceramic tiles. <br />An enhanced connection between Broadway Plaza <br />and the Park Blocks is needed to create a promi- <br />nent pedestrian path between these two downtown <br />destinations. <br />Hult Center and Shedd Institute for the Arts <br />The Hult Center and the Shedd are significant <br />cultural destinations. Performances at both locations <br />bring citizens and visitors to downtown from all <br />over the community and region. The Hult Center <br />Plaza is packed with people during events such <br />as the Eugene Celebration or free performance <br />previews. The Shedd is a recent and wonderful <br />addition to downtown, housed in the former First <br />Baptist Church. This architecturally significant <br />structure is located on Broadway, close to restau- <br />rants and shops. In addition to concerts and <br />performances, the Shedd offers instruction and <br />workshops in the arts. <br />EUGENE DOWNTOWN PLAN APRIL 2004 1 J <br />