Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center

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Location: 1870 E. 15th Ave., Eugene, Oregon

Date: 2019

Architect: Architecture Building Culture (ABC) in collaboration with The Maxine Studio.

Alternative titles: Black Cultural Center; Parker Black Cultural Center

DESCRIPTION

The Black Cultural Center will house student organizations and programming that enriches the college experience of UO's black students. The $2.2 million center, slated to open in fall 2019, has been embraced by donors, who have provided approximately $1.7 million in gifts, including a $1 million gift from Nancy and Dave Petrone. “ The center is a direct response to a demand made by the Black Student Task Force following a 2016 demonstration. Programming for the center will be funded through an allocation from the Presidential Fund for Excellence. The Campus Planning Committee presented a forum to review the cultural center plans on May 15, 2018. designed to maximize flexibility and accommodate an array of activities, including studying, student meetings, academic support and even small classes. The center also will showcase cultural pieces and artwork that celebrate black heritage.

The architectural firm ABC was founded in 2008 and has offices in Portland and Vancouver, British Columbia. Its principals are Brian Cavanaugh and Mark Ritchie. We will be working in close collaboration with our Associate Designer, Darell W. Fields, Ph.D. of The Maxine Studio, Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects, KPFF Portland(structural engineer), PAE (MEP engineer), BHE (civil engineer), Brightworks (sustainability), Czopek Design Studio (interior design), and Bruce Mau Design (wayfinding & building identity). Square ft.: 3200 GSF.

The center is named for Lyllye B. Reynolds-Parker, a civil rights activist and member of one of Eugene's first black families. Parker graduate from UO with a BA in Sociology (1991) and worked as an academic advisor at UO for 17 years. The UO Board of Trustees approved the naming of the building at its summer meetings on Sept. 4 and 5 following a public process.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

"Grand opening for UO's new Black Cultural Center set for Oct. 12." Around the O, October 3, 2019.

"Board approves new residence halls and research lab." Around the O, September 10, 2019.

"Comments sought on proposed names for Black Cultural Center." Around the O, July 22, 2019.

"University unveils Vision for its New Black Cultural Center." Around the O, May 15, 2018.