It’s uncertain why construction of the Whole Foods in downtown Eugene has been delayed.
BY JACOB PALMER | DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR
It’s uncertain why construction of the Whole Foods in downtown Eugene has been delayed.
Some have wondered if the excavation of possible historic artifacts has been the cause of the premium grocer delaying its opening until fall 2016.
According to a report by the Register-Guard, the only artifact turned up so far was a brick that could have origins in the 19th century.
The brick may have been part of the Eugene Foundry & Machine Co. building that covered part of the 2.26-acre property as far back as the 1880s, state Archaeologist Dennis Griffin said, adding he heard about the brick from an excavation worker.
But the public may never know just what lies under the future Whole Foods property.
The property’s owner, Eugene businessman Dan Giustina, has chosen to preserve the site without excavating any possible artifacts, Griffin said, a process called capping.
(SOURCE: Register-Guard)
“Whole Foods Market has a revised timeline for the Eugene store. We will have our grand opening in the fall of 2016. We’re grateful for the community’s patience as we build a great store that Eugene deserves,” the company said in a statement.
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