Grand Staircase Reconstruction
Grand Staircase
Step Into History with Us!
You’re invited to the Grand Ribbon Cutting Celebration of EOU’s iconic Grand Staircase
Friday, May 16, 2025 | Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m.
Be part of this unforgettable evening featuring live music, inspiring speakers, exclusive tours of the beautifully renovated Inlow Hall, goodies, giveaways, and a stirring Evensong Performance in tribute to this beloved landmark.
Tours of Inlow Hall and the Staircase Celebration will begin at 5:00 p.m. and programming to begin at 5:30 p.m. with musical performances to follow. Light refreshments will be served.
Come celebrate a bold step forward—all are welcome!
Grand Staircase Historical Timeline
| Grand Staircase Historical Timeline | |
|---|---|
| 1928-29 | Grand Staircase is constructed as part of the new Eastern Oregon Normal School. |
| 1929-1972 | Grand Staircase is used as a primary connection between EOU and the community and utilized for different events, including the annual Evensong event (until 1972). |
| 1972-2004 | Grand Staircase remains open as a pathway to campus and community. |
| 2004 – Sept | Grand Staircase closed to access due to deterioration; first Grand Staircase workgroup begins evaluating options with EOU, alumni, architects and friends. |
| 2004 – 2022 | EOU begins seeking funds from donors and state and federal sources. |
| 2004 – 2022 | Grand Staircase included in EOU capital construction proposals to the State of Oregon. |
| 2008 – Mar | Grand Staircase Alternatives Analysis & Cost Estimate developed at $2 million. |
| 2015 – Nov | Grand Staircase Condition Assessment & Cost Estimate developed at $2.7 million. |
| 2019 – Feb | State directs EOU to Remove Grand Staircase from Inlow Hall Capital Funding Requests. |
| 2020 – Dec | Grand Staircase Capital Improvement and Renewal Project: Enhanced Public Access Restrictions & Structural Integrity Evaluation of Inlow Hall should the Grand Staircase deteriorate in place. The evaluation determined Inlow Hall and the hillside would remain structurally intact under full deterioration, but the retaining walls and backfill have failed, requiring full replacement to current engineering and seismic code. |
| 2022 – Feb | EOU receives $4 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds through the State Legislature; Funds must be used by the end of 2024. |
| 2022 – May-Jan 23 | EOU moves to full removal and reconstruction contract documents in a Design-Bid-Build project delivery. |
| 2023 – Feb | EOU receives City of La Grande Landmarks Commission approval on the project. |
| 2023 – Feb | EOU receives State Historic Preservation Office Archaeological Permit approval. |
| 2023 – Feb-May | Public bidding begins following approvals from Landmarks Commission approval and State Historic Preservation Office. Lowest qualified bid is $8.8 million. |
| 2023 – May | Cost reduction proposal developed at $8 million by lowest qualified bidder. |
| 2023 – May 31 | EOU issues Notice of Intent to reject bids based on insufficient funds. |
| 2023 – Jul-Sept | EOU obtains Independent Quality Control Analysis and Recommendations on project plans. |
| 2023 – Oct-Nov | EOU conducts formal procurement for Design-Build Contractor services for a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $4 million. |
| 2023 – Nov | EOU selects Garco, Inc., as the Design-Build Contractor. |
| 2023 – Dec | EOU Changes project archeologist to meet Design-Build Contractor construction schedule. |
| 2024 – Jan-Feb | Design-Build Contractor removes the original Grand Staircase under archeological permit. |
| 2024 – Jan | Design-Build Contractor independently confirms original reinstallation at $8.4 million Guaranteed Maximum Price. |
| 2024 – Jan-Mar | Design-Build Contractor develops options for a $4 million Guaranteed Maximum Price. |
| 2024 – Mar 21 | EOU Selection Option 2A’, which allows for the future installation of balustrades |
| 2024 – April 15-24 | EOU submits Option 2A’ to the City of La Grande on April 15, 2024, offering to attend the next regular Landmarks Commission meeting. City issues administrative approval of Option 2A’ on April 24, 2024. |
| 2024 – May 16 | EOU executes Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment for $4 million to Design-Build Contractor to complete Installation of Option 2A’. |
| 2024 – May | Following the Landmarks Commission approval of Option 2A, EOU began the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) process with the State Historic Preservation Office and City of La Grande in consultation on Option 2A’. Typical MOA process can take up to several years to complete. |
| 2024 – Jun 7 | EOU issues press release issued on reinstallation, including renderings. |
| 2024 – Jun 14 | Archaeology team communicates State Historic Preservation Office approval for excavation to start on Reinstallation. |
| 2024 – Aug 5 | EOU meets with the Friends of the Grand Staircase and Restore Oregon to review the decision, selection, consultation, and approval process, including how the balustrades were included for installation in the future with funding. |
| 2024 – Aug 23 | EOU reiterates plans with Restore Oregon, noting the project design allows for the future installation of the balustrades as funding allows. Estimated costs for balustrades are in excess of $1.5 million. |
| 2024 – Aug 30 | City informs EOU they believe the Grand Staircase project does not meet State Historic Preservation Office requirements and may require the Memorandum of Agreement to be revised and approved by the Landmarks Commission. EOU’s Historical Architect clarifies project details and timelines with the State Historic Preservation Office and the City of La Grande. |
| 2024 – Sept 24 | EOU and Historical Architect meet with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). SHPO provides review of roles and responsibilities and confirms EOU is following the required State Historic Preservation Office process. SHPO recommends updates to Memorandum of Agreement and confirms the Memorandum of Agreement cannot include unfunded mandates. |
| 2024 – Dec 31 | Grand Staircase replacement completed |
