Court of Appeals OKs University Hotel Plan

Opponents of a luxury hotel on the University of Oregon campus are running out of options. The Oregon Court of Appeals last week upheld the proposal, which was first approved by the city council two years ago.

The appellate court affirmed a previous ruling by the state Land Use Board of Appeals in early June, which was an affirmation of the city’s 1998 decision. Appeals have gone before the City Council, LUBA and the Court of Appeals twice each since the plan was first approved. The only remaining appeal possible would be a petition for a review of the case by the state Supreme Court, which must be filed by Oct. 4.

At issue is a four-story, 156-room Hilton Garden Inn planned for the corner of Southwest 26th Street and Western Boulevard by Larkspur Hospitality Co. The California-based developer has a contract with OSU to build the hotel. It would include two conference rooms and a restaurant, and is intended to take advantage of university events that draw hundreds of visitors from around the nation and the world.

Opponents believe the proposal does not mesh with the university’s master land-use plan, but their may be personal business interests as well. Leading the opponents is Rod Edel, owner of Salbasgeon Inn & Suites on Northwest Ninth Street.