Almost 200 people crowded into the Atrium Building on Friday evening, Feb. 2, to discuss their hopes and visions for the Franklin Corridor.University of Oregon architecture students, politicians, citizens and design professionals shared ideas and passion for an area that will define all our connected communities for generations to come.

The conversation began earlier in the day with an overflow crowd at City Club. Over 120 people listened intently at the noon meeting, and then asked a raft of provocative and insightful questions. "I can't recall an audience who was more engaged and articulate. The questions were unbelievable," said Springfield architect Art Paz.

Friday's party atmosphere gave way to hard work all day Saturday, when over 100 participants broke into small groups. Themes emerged by the end of the day that gave many participants hope that consensus would be achieved. More significant than the proposals themselves was the spirit of the work, which was undeniably collaborative.

"I had property owners at my table who were here to stop what we were doing," said John Barofsky, a member of the Eugene Budget Committee. "But once they were dealing with real people, they dropped their fears. By the end of the day, they were drawing pictures of how a solution might look."

The next City Club at-large event begins with a drop-in reception on Friday, April 13 between 5 and 7:30 pm at the Springfield Depot on Main Street in downtown Springfield. Watch a video, hear some speakers, take a V.I.P. ride on the EmX. Return to Springfield City Hall the next day for a daylong design work session (9:30 am - 5 pm).