[2] The building was the result of a national design contest that included 25 entries, later narrowed to four, and awarded to Stafford, Morin, and Longwood of Eugene and Portland in 1961.

As Eugene grew in population and as building codes changed, it became apparent that City Hall did not meet the needs of local government.

The 84,000-square-foot (7,800 m2) building had become too small to house the many government departments and personnel, and city planners acquired office space in various nearby locations.

[5][6] A 2007 City Hall Complex Master Plan identified a timeline that included Phase Four Design and Construction of a new building by 2011.

[13] The long-term plan included a potential second phase with construction of another building on the site that would bring the total size to 100,000 square feet (9,300 m2).