The City of Eugene has begun demolition of the pedestrian overlook at Maurie Jacobs Park, a curved concrete platform that has overlooked the Willamette River since the late 1980s. The city issued a permit this summer stating that riverbank erosion has compromised the structure’s abutment, creating a public‑safety hazard. Work started on Monday, Aug. 24, and is expected to be finished by the end of the week.
Background of the memorial
Designed by local architect Otto Poticha of the former Unthank Seder Poticha firm, the overlook was intended as a tribute to Maurie Jacobs, a prominent Eugene businessman who founded M. Jacobs Fine Furniture and supported numerous public projects, including the Hult Center. Jacobs died in 1988, and the city, with private donors and state funds, built the $1.5 million memorial, which also added curved terraces, a new parking lot, a community garden, and upgraded lighting.
City’s safety rationale
Jake Savelich, community‑engagement coordinator for Eugene Parks and Open Space, explained that the river’s migration has shifted the overlook’s concrete foundations, creating a one‑inch slope that could lead to falls. “Mitigating the risk to the public was the top priority,” Savelich said, adding that the city has multiple pedestrian bridges offering alternative river views.
Family and architect push back
Sheila and Mike Schwartz, Jacobs’ daughter and son‑in‑law, said they were never notified of the demolition. “I think it’s wrong,” Mike Schwartz said, calling the decision “horrible.” Poticha, now 91, disputes the erosion claim, calling it an “excuse” and arguing the structure could have been repaired rather than razed. “To me, it’s like taking a piece of art and throwing it in the river,” he said.
Professional opinions on the demolition
Architect Fred Tepfer, a longtime University of Oregon planner, expressed bafflement, noting the concrete and steel could be reinforced with minimal effort. “It would be child’s play to pour more concrete underneath it,” he said. Abraham Kelso, board president of the Northwest Center for Architecture, echoed the sentiment, saying a modest repair would preserve a historic landmark for future generations.
What has been lost
The overlook has shown signs of wear for years. Handrails were removed in 2022, and the bronze plaque honoring Jacobs disappeared around 2020. Earlier this decade, plaques at nearby Climbing Columns and Greenway Bridge were also taken, though one has since been replaced.
City’s response and next steps
Savelich declined to discuss why demolition was chosen over repair and did not indicate what, if anything, will replace the structure. He emphasized that the overlook is the only element of the memorial area being removed.
Community reaction
Local architects and preservationists argue that the decision reflects a broader trend of de‑valuing unique civic architecture in Eugene. Poticha described the move as evidence of “diminishing interest in preserving historic and unique architectural landmarks.” The Schwartz family suggested a fundraiser could have supported repairs, but the city has not pursued that option.
As the demolition proceeds, residents are left to consider how the city balances public‑safety concerns with the preservation of community heritage. The outcome may set a precedent for how Eugene handles aging infrastructure that holds both functional and commemorative significance.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
