History of Downtown Eugene
In 1862 Eugene Skinner created the beginnings of the city Eugene. It was not until after 1876, when the University of Oregon was founded, when the city of Eugene began to flourish. Eugene as a city began to grow rapidly and the downtown area began to build up.
Willamette and Broadway Area (main square):
767 Willamette Street- In 1884 The Baker Building was Eugene’s original place for social gatherings and is also the only intact 19th century building in downtown. The building experienced a few name changes until finally becoming Smeede Hotel in 1914.
1010 Willamette Street- The McDonald Theater, built in 1925, hosted everything from travelling vaudeville shows to major theater productions. When motion pictures were popularized, the McDonald Theater was converted to a movie house and is currently a place where the community enjoys live music, plays, and other exciting gatherings.
Eugene Saturday Market- Located in the Park blocks along 8th Street and was the first Saturday Market in the U.S. Started in 1970. There is weekly open-air craft show exhibits hand-made goods, locally grown produce, musicians, and a community culture that piques interest and offers a unique charm.
Ken Kesey Statue- Once a resident of the Eugene area and a University of Oregon graduate, Ken Kesey, author of One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, was an influential figure in creating the elements which define Eugene’s vibrant social tapestry that are still seen today. Today the statue of Ken Kesey can be found in a brick plaza at the corner of Broadway & Willamette.
5th Avenue Historic Market District:
488 Willamette Street- Located across 5th street from the post office and see the Lane Hotel building. It’s one of the last remaining wooden buildings in downtown. Built in 1903 and originally known as the Gross Hotel, the building now houses local retail shops.
27 East 5th Avenue- The Oregon Electric Rail Station once operated as a depot for passengers travelling between Eugene and Portland. The depot was built in 1914 with service running until 1933. The building is now home to a popular restaurant with pieces of area history and sports memorabilia on display.
520 Willamette Street- Located at the corner of 5th & Willamette Street, the main Post Office for the City of Eugene was built in 1938 with an art-deco façade.
296 East 5th Avenue- The 5th Street Public Market building is the cornerstone of the Historic Market District. Originally the building served as a poultry house where residents all over Lane County would come to purchase protein. Today the 5th Street Public Market offers a unique shopping experience.