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The Future of Large-Scale Performing Arts Steering Committee will receive reports and progress updates related to the Future of Large-Scale Performing Arts project and provide their perspectives and recommendations.
Background information
Built in 1917 and renovated in 1968, the Keller Auditorium is one of the Portland'5 Centers for the Arts venues. The nation's fifth largest performing arts center, Portland'5 consists of five theatres that are owned by the City of Portland and currently operated by Metro under the oversight of the Metropolitan Recreation and Exposition Commission (MERC).
Like many older buildings, the Keller Auditorium was not built to withstand a major earthquake. In October 2024, Portland City Council accepted the recommendation to pursue a strategy to develop two Broadway-capable venues—a renovated Keller Auditorium and a new facility at Portland State University (PSU)—to avoid a prolonged closure of the Keller, during which no alternative facility would be available. The Council's Resolution 37680 directed a market feasibility study, transportation study, and the development of a subsequent funding strategy. Additionally, the resolution authorized the Deputy City Administrator (DCA) for Community and Economic Development to designate a steering committee to participate in the process as needed.
The Future of Large-Scale Performing Arts Steering Committee
The Future of Large-Scale Performing Arts Steering Committee consists of 11 members appointed by the DCA through an application process. Members were selected for their technical expertise in professional fields relevant to the project, including architecture, construction, finance, fundraising, performing arts, public/private partnerships, real estate development, urban planning, and venue operations.
The steering committee received relevant reports, studies and progress updates related to the Future of Large-Scale Performing Arts project. Upon reviewing findings, the steering committee was charged with making recommendations on next steps and direction to DCA Donnie Oliveira.
Members of the steering committee include:
- Brad Demby, RA, Brad Demby Architect
- Brianna McCoy, Saturday Academy
- Carl Abbott, Author, Urban Historian
- Carol Mayer-Reed, FASLA, Founding Partner Emeritus, Mayer/Reed
- Christopher McVoy, Co-founder, O'Neill McVoy Architects and Partner Emeritus Steven Holl Architects
- Edwina Kane, Portland Center Stage
- Helen Ying, Community and Cultural Leader
- Jim Brunberg, Mississippi Studios, Revolution Hall
- Lynda Moss, Moss Consulting
- Nick Schwartz-Hall, Independent Producer
- Sara Vonde Veld, Oregon Health & Science University
Read the members' biographies.
Recommendation
The Steering Committee members submitted their unanimous recommendation to DCA Oliveira on June 24, 2026.
Steering committee process
The steering committee convened for eight (8) two-hour meetings over the course of seven months. The group also spent significant time outside of meetings reviewing in-depth materials, corresponding by email, conducting additional research, and preparing work in subcommittees.
The committee was provided with presentations, studies, and reports to inform its recommendations. Additionally, the body engaged with the two project proposers (Halprin Landscape Conservancy and PSU) as well as Broadway Across America with questions and requests for additional information. The committee also went on site tours of the Keller and proposed PSU site.
Key information provided
Proposals:
Studies & technical information:
- Transportation study
- Market feasibility study
- Economic impact study of Keller closure
- Economic impact study (Keller & PSU)
- Seismic analysis of Keller Auditorium
- Keller Auditorium feasibility study
- Letter from Broadway Across America regarding temporary venues and phased construction
- Subcommittee analysis of Keller site
Costing/financing:
- Concept cost estimates for Keller proposal
- Concept cost estimates for PSU proposal
- Financing strategies (City Budget Note)
Broader context:
- Arts & Economic Prosperity Report (Portland, Greater Portland Area and Multnomah County)
- National Independent Venue Association Report on the state live entertainment (national and Oregon)
- City of Portland's Central City 2035 Plan
Additional information provided related to the Future of Portland'5 project:
- Performing Arts Venues Workgroup recommendations
- Facility condition assessments for Portland'5 venues
- Request for information for Portland'5 operating model
Steering Committee meeting materials
December 12, 2025 meeting summary
January 28, 2026 meeting summary
February 18, 2026 no slide deck
February 18, 2026 meeting summary
March 18, 2026 meeting summary