LA GRANDE — Eastern Oregon University has selected Garco Construction for renovation of its historic Grand Staircase and the project is getting underway immediately, the school announced on Thursday, Nov. 30.

Construction is scheduled to commence during the first three weeks of December, starting with the removal of the current structure.

“We are excited to start on the Grand Staircase project after so many years — as are a lot of alumni and supporters,” said Tim Seydel, vice president for university advancement. “There is a lot of work to be done to build a new Staircase to connect the university and the community and create a new, safe, and usable access point.”

According to a press release, Garco is distributing flyers in the neighborhoods around the Grand Staircase area that provide essential contact information, aiming to proactively address potential challenges and ensure transparency.

Garco will also secure a permit with the city of La Grande to work in the public right-of-way and will adhere to the city’s work hours and permit requirements.

The vintage architectural edifice was granted a new lease on life in March 2022 when the Oregon Legislature earmarked $4 million — part of a $100 million rural infrastructure package — for its renovation.

The staircase was built in 1929 and has been in disrepair for a number of years. The staircase, which was listed as one of Oregon’s most endangered places in 2017, was built to furnish pedestrian access from downtown to the EOU campus as well as a place for gatherings and events.

Architect John V. Bennes, who also headed the Hot Lake Hotel and Geiser Grand Hotel projects, designed the staircase in an Italian Renaissance Revival style, constructing the structure with 178 steps, 418 stone balusters and 17,470 square feet of concrete over five tiers. In 1980, the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.