The University of Oregon has finalized the sale of Treetops, one of Eugene’s most historic residences, ensuring that the property will receive the investment and long-term stewardship needed for its full restoration and preservation.
The stately residence is being purchased by Bill and Leslie Cornog, whose offer was selected based on the couple’s strong commitment to the historic preservation of Treetops and their ability to fully restore and maintain the property. The sale closed March 14, 2025.
Their plans include preserving the home’s original architecture and historic landscaping, including its heritage oaks, while making thoughtful improvements that enhance the property without compromising its historic character. They will also prioritize the use of Oregon-sourced materials and Oregon-based contractors and labor during the restoration process, benefiting the local economy.
"Leslie and I are honored to take on the responsibility of restoring Treetops," Bill Cornog said. "We are committed to preserving its architectural and historical integrity while making thoughtful updates that enhance the property without compromising its character. Our goal is to complete a full restoration of Treetops with the intention of qualifying the home for the National Register of Historic Places to ensure its long-term preservation.”
Treetops, also known as the Chancellor’s House or Alton Hampton House, is one of Eugene’s most historic residences. Built between 1908 and 1910, the 8,000-square-foot Craftsman-style home was designed by Portland architecture firm Bennes & Hendricks and features hand-carved woodwork, Tenino stone and a wraparound porch with valley views.
The property’s historic George Otten-designed landscape, including centuries-old oaks and a carefully preserved garden plan, has made it a defining landmark in Eugene’s Fairmount neighborhood for over a century.
Originally constructed for Alton Hampton, the home was purchased in 1921 by Campbell Church Sr., a major University of Oregon benefactor who gifted the home to the Oregon University System in 1938 as the official residence for the active system chancellor or UO president. Over 75 years, the Treetops property housed 13 chancellors and served as a venue for university and community events.
The property was acquired by the University of Oregon Foundation in 2015 following the dissolution of the Oregon University System.
“The university explored multiple options for preserving and utilizing Treetops, including retaining, restoring, and repurposing the property,” said Mike Harwood, the UO’s associate vice president for campus planning and facilities management and university architect. “After careful evaluation, it was determined that fully restoring and maintaining Treetops at the standard it deserves would require significant investment beyond what was feasible with the university’s current financial picture.”
The decision to sell the property was guided by the university’s commitment to ensuring the home’s long-term preservation, with the goal of selecting a buyer with both the commitment and financial ability to restore the property, preserve its historic significance, and ensure its long-term care.
“The Cornogs have demonstrated a clear dedication to preserving the historic integrity of Treetops,” Harwood said. “Their commitment to a full restoration will protect the home’s significance and ensure that it remains a landmark in Eugene for generations to come.”
As part of their vision for Treetops, the Cornogs plan to use the property as a venue to display art from past and present Oregon artists, including paintings and both indoor and outdoor sculptures, reinforcing the home’s role as a cultural landmark. They also are exploring opportunities to collaborate with the UO and city of Eugene on the appropriate use of the home and property for events.
“We take seriously the responsibility of caring for such an important piece of Oregon’s history and are committed to restoring Treetops in a way that honors its past, strengthens its future, and preserves its legacy for generations to come,” Bill Cornog said.
Bill Cornog has deep roots in Eugene and a lifelong connection to the University of Oregon. A South Eugene High School graduate, he comes from a family with strong ties to the university. His father, Chester Cornog, served as the Ducks’ team physician for football and basketball, and his sisters, Ginny Cornog and Carolyn Woofter, along with his stepfather, Dave Robathan, and several nieces and nephews, attended the UO. He has remained engaged with the university during his career and currently serves on the Knight Campus External Advisory Board.
Upon the passing of Bill and Leslie Cornog, the property will transfer to the Cornog Family Foundation to oversee and maintain the property in alignment with its preservation goals, safeguarding the historic and cultural significance of Treetops for future generations.
