This article has been corrected from its original printed version. Correction appended.
The University plans to build an $18 million parking structure underneath 13th Avenue near the new arena, a State Board of Higher Education agenda posted online Friday confirms.
The agenda also shows that the athletic department is seeking a $20 million spending limit on the baseball stadium, which will be financed entirely by donations.
The agenda says the first phase of the stadium is “fully funded by gifts and the completion of Phase One provides sufficient facilities to launch the baseball program. Phase Two will be undertaken only after sufficient gifts and other sources of funds are received by the university.”
The stadium will be built on the northwest corner of the Autzen Stadium parking lot, and will displace roughly 500 parking spaces.
The first phase of the project, which includes the field, fencing, player development area and temporary structures containing a press box, restrooms, concessions and grandstands, is expected to be finished before the first baseball game on Feb. 23, 2009, according to the agenda.
The second phase will include a video replay board, lights and the construction of a main grandstand and concourse. There will be between 4,000 and 5,000 seats, the agenda says.

Underground parking

The University received approval in 2003 for $10.9 million in state-backed bonds to finance a parking structure, and it plans to pay for the remainder of the structure’s costs through an anonymous donor, the agenda says.
The underground structure is projected to have three levels and include 450 to 500 spaces.
“By building underground, the UO and the neighborhood gain the additional advantage of saving ground space for other development that furthers the instructional and research mission of the University and preserving the visual environment on Franklin Boulevard,” the agenda says.
The garage will be open to students, staff and visitors, as well as patrons of the new arena.
“By constructing a parking structure in conjunction with the (arena) project, the UO will recognize savings and provide additional parking to be responsive to concerns raised by neighbors and others regarding increased demand generated by the arena,” the agenda says.
Fees acquired from spectators attending arena events are set to cover 70 percent of the debt obligation on the $10.9 million bond, and the athletic department will be responsible for servicing this portion of the debt, according to the agenda.
“While this garage will primarily serve the daily needs of the campus, it will also contribute to meeting city requirements for parking during events at the arena,” according to the agenda.
Whether the garage will be enough to meet city requirements is being disputed by residents of the Fairmount Neighborhood, who are appealing a decision by City Planning Director Lisa Gardner that says the community doesn’t get a more public say in the development process.
The University is relying on a parking needs study by David Evans and Associates that says roughly 900 cars can park in the nearby neighborhood when attending events at the new arena.
Correction: The Emerald incorrectly reported that the Athletic Department is seeking state funding for the baseball stadium ( “UO to spend $18 million on arena parking,” ODE April 28).
The athletic department is instead seeking the Oregon State Board of Higher Education’s approval for a $20 million spending limitation. Funding for the stadium will come solely from donations.
“We will not be taking any general fund or state dollars for the construction of the baseball park,” said Joe Giansante, associate athletic director.
The Emerald regrets the error.
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