April 13, 2021
For Immediate Release

HOLLERING PROJECT DELAYED, TRIBE AND CITY COMMITTED TO WORKING TOGETHER ON DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA

Coos Bay, Oregon — The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (“Tribe”) and the City of Coos Bay through the Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency (“URA”) announced that the Tribe’s development of a cultural center at the Hollering Place, located on the corner of Newmark Avenue and Empire Boulevard, is on indefinite hold. Economic impacts associated with the COVID crisis has significantly impacted the ability of the Tribe to proceed with development of the property.

Development of the Hollering Place, including the transfer of property from the URA to the Tribe, was agreed to by the URA and Tribe in a development agreement and called for a joint approach for the development of two parcels of property. In October, the Coos Bay Planning Commission approved land use plans a proposed the Hollering Place Cultural Center, which would be home to historical and cultural exhibits and serve as a place to share Tribal culture.

As part of the development agreement, the Tribe agreed to construct a new seawall to protect the lower bluff property from erosion in exchange for transfer of the upper lot. Construction of the sea wall was completed by the Tribe last year. On June 20, the deed to the upper bluff parcel was signed over to the Tribe.

In recent discussions, the Tribe and the URA agreed that the Tribe would retain ownership of the upper bluff parcels and explore options for development in the future. Lower lot ownership will remain with the URA and it is expected that the URA will explore other development options in the months ahead. The parties remain committed to working together for positive economic development in the area and across the region.

For further information, contact Rodger Craddock, City Manager, City of Coos Bay at 541-269-8912 and Sharol McDade, Chief Executive Officer, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, at 541-888-7527.