Team still evaluating architects for City Hall

Eugene architect Otto Poticha didnt make the list of finalists to design the next City Hall, but he hopes another local architect gets the job.

That remains uncertain, as THA Architects, one of three architecture firms in the running for the high-profile job, is from Portland.

Poticha said it would be a mistake for municipal government to hire an out-of-town firm as the lead architect to design the Eugene City Hall.

There is something about designing your own house in your own community instead of designing a house for somebody else in another place, said Poticha, who had teamed with TBG Architects + Planners of Eugene in an unsuccessful effort to get the City Hall design work.

A team of city officials is deciding whether to hire THA or one of the two Eugene-based finalists, Rowell Brokaw Architects or Robertson Sherwood Architects, for the job.

The teams deliberations could lead to an announcement possibly later this week to hire one of the firms, or for the city to undergo another round of evaluations of some or all of the finalists, said Heather Nelson, city purchasing analyst.

We have three really great proposals and three great teams to choose from, she said. This is a really big project, and we want to make sure that we select the best team to suit our needs.

City officials originally had planned to announce the top selection last Friday, though they reserved the right to take more time if necessary.

Nelson, who declined to say how the three finalists are ranked, said she didnt think the delay was related to whether the city might choose an out-of-area firm.

I dont think that is a primary concern at this point, she said. But I cant say exactly what is being discussed right now.

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Team still evaluating architects for City Hall