As of Oct. 14, new construction and demolition has been taking place in PeaceHealth Hospital and all around 11th Avenue and Alder Street. The new project is underway to renew and expand the services the hospital offers and further improve the way it services not just the community of Eugene but the students as well.

Much of the demolition taking place is to remove the slightly older buildings that have been there since the ’20s and ’50s. Rather than trying to make improvements to the buildings, Phil Farrington, director of land use planning and development for PeaceHealth, believes removing these buildings and building better ones is the best way to serve the community.

“Initially this was a small project that we had a couple years ago and now we finally have it. The sole purpose is to improve our services and make it a lot easier for patients than what it is right now,” Farrington said.

Currently the project is working to clear out the Johnson building, as well as a chapel and an auditorium. Many of these buildings are in need of improvement, according to Farrington. The project has taken many measures to ensure public safety.

“We are taking full protocol in this type of project. Before any demolition has taken place we have environmentalists check the site out. As well as having on-site professionals with hoses ready to water down any dust that can be harmful to the public,” Farrington said. “Safety is our top priority.”

In order to expand the hospital, some trees will be removed but will be replaced with new ones when the project is finished. The project still has to obtain a city permit for the removal of trees along with sidewalk closure permits.

“We’re trying to make access easy for students and the public, but for safety reasons the public will have to get used to some sidewalks closed off,” Farrington said.