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. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket if you’d like!

Come celebrate a bold step forward—all are welcome!

Grand Staircase Historical Timeline

Grand Staircase Historical Timeline
1928-29Grand Staircase is constructed as part of the new Eastern Oregon Normal School.
1929-1972Grand Staircase is used as a primary connection between EOU and the community and utilized for different events, including the annual Evensong event (until 1972).
1972-2004Grand Staircase remains open as a pathway to campus and community. 
2004 – SeptGrand Staircase closed to access due to deterioration; first Grand Staircase workgroup begins evaluating options with EOU, alumni, architects and friends.
2004 – 2022EOU begins seeking funds from donors and state and federal sources.
2004 – 2022Grand Staircase included in EOU capital construction proposals to the State of Oregon.
2008 – MarGrand Staircase Alternatives Analysis & Cost Estimate developed at $2 million.
2015 – NovGrand Staircase Condition Assessment & Cost Estimate developed at $2.7 million.
2019 – FebState directs EOU to Remove Grand Staircase from Inlow Hall Capital Funding Requests.
2020 – DecGrand 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 – FebEOU 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 23EOU moves to full removal and reconstruction contract documents in a Design-Bid-Build project delivery.
2023 – FebEOU receives City of La Grande Landmarks Commission approval on the project.
2023 – FebEOU receives State Historic Preservation Office Archaeological Permit approval.
2023 – Feb-MayPublic bidding begins following approvals from Landmarks Commission approval and State Historic Preservation Office. Lowest qualified bid is $8.8 million.
2023 – MayCost reduction proposal developed at $8 million by lowest qualified bidder.
2023 – May 31EOU issues Notice of Intent to reject bids based on insufficient funds.
2023 – Jul-SeptEOU obtains Independent Quality Control Analysis and Recommendations on project plans. 
2023 – Oct-NovEOU conducts formal procurement for Design-Build Contractor services for a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $4 million.
2023 – NovEOU selects Garco, Inc., as the Design-Build Contractor.
2023 – DecEOU Changes project archeologist to meet Design-Build Contractor construction schedule.
2024 – Jan-FebDesign-Build Contractor removes the original Grand Staircase under archeological permit.
2024 – JanDesign-Build Contractor independently confirms original reinstallation at $8.4 million Guaranteed Maximum Price.
2024 – Jan-MarDesign-Build Contractor develops options for a $4 million Guaranteed Maximum Price.
2024 – Mar 21EOU Selection Option 2A’, which allows for the future installation of balustrades
2024 – April 15-24EOU 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 16EOU executes Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment for $4 million to Design-Build Contractor to complete Installation of Option 2A’.
2024 – MayFollowing 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 7EOU issues press release issued on reinstallation, including renderings.
2024 – Jun 14Archaeology team communicates State Historic Preservation Office approval for excavation to start on Reinstallation.
2024 – Aug 5EOU 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 23EOU 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 30City 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 24EOU 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 31Grand Staircase replacement completed
1970 Evensong Royalty
Grand Staircase in the 1950s
1949 on a snowy day