Next week, Portland City Council will consider a resolution that highlights the critical need for a collaborative strategy around the future of downtown Portland’s performing arts landscape—one that minimizes disruptions to performances at Keller Auditorium, takes community values into consideration, supports the overall revitalization of Portland's Central City and ensures large-scale theatrical productions can continue to thrive long into the future.
For more than a year, the City and its partners have been weighing the possibilities of renovating Keller Auditorium or building something new. Significant community engagement has helped shape next steps following presentations to Portland City Council at the end of May by teams representing three visions — a renovation and new performing arts facilities at Lloyd Center or Portland State University. The proposal moving forward next week would eliminate the Lloyd Center option, making way for other economic development ventures at the Northeast Portland shopping mall.
Over the past two months, more than 3,000 community members and stakeholders have weighed in on the future of Keller Auditorium and Portland’s performing arts landscape.
A monthlong public survey and individual focus groups provided a chance for community members, theater users, arts organizations, employees, labor groups, venue operators and regional tourism interests to share their values, needs, priorities and concerns around the future of Portland’s largest performing arts facility.
Several key themes emerged, including:
- Strong support for preventing the prolonged closure of Keller Auditorium.
- Significant affinity to Keller Auditorium’s history and its proximity to the Keller Fountain.
- Community concern about what may happen to Keller Auditorium if large theatrical productions moved to a new venue.
- Support for the development of a cohesive vision more broadly serving the performing arts landscape and downtown Portland’s economic future.
Keller Auditorium 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 the revenue for Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, subsidizing smaller performing arts venues, productions and artists, which makes them more affordable and accessible.
Like most older civic buildings, the Keller was not built to withstand a major earthquake. A 2020 seismic report provided a preliminary analysis of renovations needed to meet modern safety standards. Guest amenities, backstage facilities, and mechanical and production systems are also outdated; Keller Auditorium is in need of modern upgrades to continue operating long into the future.
Now—recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach that celebrates investments in creative placemaking, supports arts and culture, and enhances Portland’s Central City—the City will bring together the two downtown project teams to discuss possibilities for one cohesive vision that addresses community needs and strengthens arts, culture and downtown’s revitalization.
The potential renovation of the City-owned Keller Auditorium and Portland State University’s vision for a new performing arts facility just six blocks away provides a unique opportunity for a coordinated a path forward.
The City of Portland owns Keller Auditorium and city council serves as the decision-maker about the theater’s future. They will discuss this approach on August 14.
View the August 14 resolution