Trying to add a payment method? You can do this on the 
QuickTake:
The city’s urban renewal agency board gave direction to staff to demolish a building in a riverfront area that is planned for a park.
Plans continue to move forward for riverfront development in Glenwood.
The Springfield City Council voted Monday, Sept. 21, to allow the Springfield Economic Development Agency, known as SEDA, to manage development-related negotiations for a city-owned property in the area along the Willamette River — specifically for a planned park, open space and a riverfront trail.
“Anybody concerned about sending it over to those folks in SEDA?” Mayor Sean VanGordon joked to the council before the vote. The SEDA board comprises members of the City Council, along with the Lane County commissioner representing Springfield.
The 1.5-acre property includes the addresses 295 and 325 N. Brooklyn St.
Last week, city staff asked the board for direction on a building at 325 N. Brooklyn St., the Brombaugh Building, and whether to keep or demolish the structure, which is in the area planned for the park.
Economic Development Manager Allie Camp said during the Sept. 14 board meeting the building would reduce the amount of square footage available for the park. The city plans to partner with Willamalane Park and Recreation District to create the riverfront park.
Willamalane’s position was that the building should be removed, to maximize the acreage available for the park, according to a memo presented to councilors. The building covers 5,000 square feet.
“Willamalane has indicated that it will not be the party responsible to deliver the park trail and open space should the building remain,” Camp said. “Under this condition, SEDA would need to determine how to deliver and maintain open space, operate a building and cover expenses related to these items.”
Board members agreed to remove the building and suggested Willamalane use signs or another way to commemorate the history of the site. The building — built in 1979, according to estimates — was once the site of a pipe organ manufacturer, the memo states.
Camp said the city is in lease negotiations with the building’s current tenant. If the lease is extended for another year, nothing will happen to the structure during that time.
City records show there was a home at 295 N. Brooklyn St. The urban renewal agency bought some properties on the Glenwood riverfront that contained single family homes, and the city worked with a private contractor to relocate families living in those homes, including at 295 N. Brooklyn St. The city demolished the home in 2024.
According to the memo, staff plan to seek bids this year for project management related to building infrastructure in the 22-acre redevelopment area. The first phase of infrastructure, which includes a north-south road and promenade that connects Franklin Boulevard to the riverfront park and required utilities, has an early cost estimate of $9.97 million.
