QuickTake:

The project completed overnight Wednesday closes off side entrances to the plaza area as well as the main opening. A portion of the plaza near the corner of Seventh Avenue and Pearl Street remains accessible.

Newly installed fencing at the Eugene Federal Building closes off access to the plaza with the exception of a corner section often used by speakers during demonstrations.

The black temporary fencing installed overnight Wednesday in effect will limit space for gatherings and was installed after the site sustained property damage — including broken windows and graffiti — during protests in January.

Eugene police declared a riot on Jan. 30, after reports of property damage and a building “breach,” though a review of Eugene police video by the city’s police auditor found no evidence of anyone entering the building.

The General Services Administration, the federal agency that provides building services and property management for sites like the Eugene Federal Building, has not disclosed the cost of the fence project. It also isn’t clear if the fence is in place indefinitely or for a specified time period.

A gated section of temporary security fence blocks a walkway outside the Eugene Federal Building on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Credit: Max Unkrich / Lookout Eugene-Springfield

The federal agency had declined to answer questions before the fence installation about where it would be placed or even the type of fence to be installed.

In a statement before installation began, a GSA spokesperson said: “GSA is installing a temporary security barrier along the perimeter of the Federal Building at 211 East 7th Avenue in Eugene. This measure is necessary to ensure the continued safety and security of the building occupants and the facility itself.”

Federal Protective Service officers as well as Eugene police maintained a strong presence at the site starting Wednesday afternoon as construction began. About 25 protesters shouted disapproval over the project and over the show of police force.

Eugene police confronted one man as he walked in a crosswalk with others across Pearl Street toward the federal building at about 4 p.m. and then arrested him on suspicion of disorderly conduct.