don't know much about Austin TX but I like your comment.  I, too, support keeping downtown as it is more or less but a little history is appropriate here regarding Oakway Plaza.  Oakway used to have a theater, Thrifty's and a grocery.  I think a better comparison that fits your comment would be 5th Street Market area.  

In the 70's and 80's, 5th Street was the place to really feel the 'texture' and uniqueness of Eugene.  There were Musicians like Fiddlers, flutes and many local guys and gals.  A Rooster roamed the area and he was a beauty.  People from the University, West side, South side..........just all over w/kids playing around the fountain.  Sawdust on the floors.  No commercialism.  Just totally downhome....w/o pretentiousness.  Now?  OMG  It sickens me to see such financial dedication towards a class of folks that are not a true representation of what Eugene was.  It's like a foreign planet compared to what used to be there and who enjoyed it........which was everyone.  l2g