Planning for the future of the City’s largest performing arts facility is an important task. That’s why this year and next, City leaders are considering a range of options for ensuring that large-scale theatrical performances can continue to thrive in Portland.
Following a 2020 seismic study that underscored the need for structural upgrades at Keller Auditorium to meet modern safety standards and ensure the auditorium's ability to withstand a major earthquake, the City of Portland and Metro began evaluating possibilities for Portland's premier performing arts to continue long into the future.
This year and next, the City is weighing those possibilities—renovating Keller Auditorium or building something new.
Keller Auditorium, often simply called “the Keller,” is the largest theatrical auditorium in Oregon and the only theater in the Portland area capable of hosting Broadway performances, large operas and ballet productions. Shows at the Keller also generate half of the revenue for Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, subsidizing smaller performing arts venues, productions and artists, making them more affordable and accessible.
Renovating Keller Auditorium is one possibility being explored. A renovation concept for reimagining the existing Keller Auditorium, privately led by Halprin Landscape Conservancy, was developed and presented to Portland City Council earlier this year. The study was funded, in part, by the City of Portland and Metro and incorporates safety, accessibility and functionality upgrades. Renovating the Keller, however, would require a lengthy closure during construction, displacing the shows typically held at the venue.
The other possibility, building something new, drew eight proposals in response to a Request for Expression of Interest. Evaluators from Prosper Portland, Metro, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts and the City of Portland met with the top five proposal teams and, this week, selected two proposals for further analysis, design, and conceptual development: Lloyd Center and Portland State University.
Next year, the two final concepts for new performing arts facilities will be presented to Portland City Council. Community input opportunities on renovating Keller Auditorium or building something new will be available after the concepts are finalized.
Keller Auditorium is owned by the City of Portland and operated by the Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, a service of Metro.
A look at possibilities
New facility | Lloyd Center
One of two top locations proposed in response to a request for the availability of potential sites for a new performing arts venue. City staff will work with proposal teams on further analysis, design, and conceptual development. A final concept will be presented to Portland City Council. All possibilities will be considered next year.
New facility | Portland State University
One of two top locations proposed in response to a request for the availability of potential sites for a new performing arts venue. City staff will work with proposal teams on further analysis, design, and conceptual development. A final concept will be presented to Portland City Council. All possibilities will be considered next year.
Keller Auditorium renovation |Halprin Landscape Conservancy
A Keller Auditorium renovation study, spearheaded by Halprin Landscape Conservancy, was presented to Portland City Council Sept. 27. The study, funded in part by the City of Portland and Metro, incorporates safety, accessibility and functionality upgrades. Portland City Council will consider all possibilities next year.
View final report to City Council
Background
City releases Request for Expression of Interest for new performing arts facility | Portland.gov
Related documents
View all performing arts facility location proposals 10.33 MB
July 12, 2023 RFEI: New Performing Arts Facility 153.37 KB
Keller Auditorium 2023 fact sheet 373.38 KB