The Mayor’s City of Eagle August Newsletter highlighted an enhancement project that will transform a large property in the heart of downtown into a useful and attractive addition to city services. Purchased by the City this summer, the EAGLE LANDING property is located at Eagle Road and Mission Drive across the street from Eagle Elementary School.
Plans call for a needed Community Center, a Museum of Eagle History & Preservation, and city Staff Offices for the Department of Parks & Recreation as well as for the Museum. On-site parking will be available, and a traffic signal light already exists at the corner for safety.
The location has been cleaned up, leveled, and a temporary sign installed. According to Ellen Mattila, Eagle’s Public Information Officer, “The next step will be a ‘greening up’ of the area with a new irrigation system.”
Preserving the historic 1938 church structure on the property was fortuitous, as the interior will be transformed to house exhibits of the Eagle Museum of History & Preservation which will relocate there from its current site on State Street downtown. A major plus is an existing, mature tree adjacent to the west side of the old church. It will supply some needed shade for visitors on hot days, and the city might decide to install a long bench or two under the tree for that purpose as well as for school children who are on a class visit to the Museum.
An old house on the property will be renovated and outfitted to become the city Staff Offices for both the Parks & Recreation Dept. and the Museum. P&R Superintendent Brandon “Beeg” Johnson and his Team’s offices currently are located at City Hall.
A third existing building with a kitchen is in good condition and will be refurbished to become a new Community Center offering recreational classes and activities for all ages.
Maybe the Eagle Arts Commission might come up with some clever recommendations for permanent signage at the structures and the property. Some outdoor lighting will be needed within the complex and parking areas, and for ambiance and connectivity the city might consider installing some lampposts like those currently along the adjacent Eagle Road.
For additional information on the Eagle Landing project, contact Ellen Mattila at 208-489-8790 direct at City Hall.
