Old Eugene Hospital site may go back to its roots
EUGENE, Ore. - Eugene City Councilors say they have the place in downtown for a new hospital - and they're putting on a full court press.
It's property in the 13th and Willamette area that has a long medical history.
You might be wondering, haven't we talked about this property before?
From 11th to 13th, Willamette to Charnelton: Four blocks and 13 acres that once were considered too small for a modern hospital -but it's on the front burner again.
Once upon a time it used to be a hospital, the old Eugene Hospital.
And it may be again.
The Eugene City Council voted unanimously to endorse the property as the place for McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center to build its new hospital.
"I understand the challenges that we still face but I think this has real potential if everybody is interested in making this work," said Mayor Kitty Piercy to the Wednesday council meeting.
The land includes all the PeaceHealth clinic and property, which the medical group is willing to sell to its Springfield rival.
However, 16 other property owners would have to sell out and vacate the area.
One business owner says he'd like to find out, from the city, what's going on. Co-owner Jeff Musgrove of Musgrove Family Mortuary said, "We have not heard a word, haven't been contacted by anyone from the city or the hospital or anyone at all about anyone wanting to purchase our property."
Musgrove said if they even consider selling the business, moving costs and building a new mortuary will run in the millions.
Councilors voted 8-0 for support of the project at this site, but you can imagine with the history of this project, nothing is a done deal. One councilman says they better have a backup plan.
George Poling told the council, "We've been caught three times without a plan B in place," Councilor George Poling siad. "We need to have a plan-B in place in case this site drops through."
Officials told the council talks with area property owners will take at least 60 days to complete. They tentatively plan to exclude the 12 story Olive Plaza from the project area, but a 500 space parking garage is in the plan along Willamette Street. That would be along the block that contains Kinko's, antique shops and the martial arts school.
"Lots of details and negotiations still have to take place, but it can happen," said Councilor Alan Zelenka.
So far, the hospital sounds non-committal. Spokeswoman Debi Farr said the hospital will wait for more information from the city and she said all the other building sites are still on the table.
