News Releases
News from Lane Community College
May 14, 2009
LCC DOWNTOWN CENTER UPDATE
Eugene, Ore. - President Mary Spilde advised the Lane Community College Board of Education at its Wednesday, May 13 meeting that the college and the City of Eugene have had preliminary discussions about partnering to move forward on Lane’s Downtown Center project, including exploring alternative locations.
The board expressed support and directed the president to proceed with formal discussions to determine how a partnership with the city would work.
Spilde said it is important to look at all possibilities that could benefit the college, its students, and the community, and that could leverage taxpayer investment in both agencies.
The city has indicated that it is excited to pursue opportunities that could transform downtown and move development forward, and that Lane’s downtown presence supports the city’s commitment to economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
A partnership would create short-term jobs and build a foundation for long-term economic development for the community.
The city has proposed looking at the Center Court building and its adjacent vacant property as well as other opportunities.
Partnering with the city offers the college certain advantages:
- Lane could continue operating out of its present location during construction of a new facility;
- Lane does not own the corner building next door to its current facility, which limits the footprint Lane could have;
- City resources could help move Lane’s project forward at a faster pace.
Lane is committed to a strong downtown presence and will continue its current offerings, plus add access to training programs in health and alternative health care, energy management and renewable energy, and business development and employee training services.
The college is committed to achieving LEED green building standards with its downtown project.
Lane has $9 million from its bond campaign for its downtown center but more is needed. The college has submitted a request for state capital construction funds, and seeks additional resources to move the project forward.
The college would not relocate without a plan for the future of its present facility.
Lane is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
###
Media contacts:
Joan Aschim, LCC Public Information Officer, aschimj@lanecc.edu, (541) 463-5591
Jan Bohman, City of Eugene Community Relations Director, (541) 682-5587
