Eugene City declines landmark status for 93-year-old grandstand

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – Eugene city councilors declined to nominate Hayward Field’s East Grandstand as a city historic landmark.

The Register-Guard reports the decision Wednesday came as the 93-year-old grandstand at the University of Oregon’s track and field stadium is scheduled for demolition.

The university submitted its demolition permit April 27. City staff is reviewing the application and could issue the permit as soon as this week.

University officials plan to build a modern stadium at Hayward Field. The proposed 12,900-seat stadium – expandable to nearly 30,000 seats – would be the venue for the 2021 World Track and Field Championships.

University President Michael Schill urged city councilors in a May 3 letter to not start “any process to designate the east grandstands as a historic site, delaying construction and putting in jeopardy the project and 2021 world championship.”

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Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com