PORTLAND, Oregon — The city of Portland is moving forward with plans to either renovate or relocate the Keller Auditorium.
On Wednesday, they'll review the top three options and hear what the public thinks of them. It's part of the city's response to a 2020 study that shows the current Keller Auditorium could collapse during an earthquake.
Option one for the theater is a major renovation that keeps Keller Auditorium on Southwest 2nd Avenue and Clay Street. The proposal from Halprin Landscape Conservancy touts a grand fountain plaza, a 3,000-seat main theater plus a new, smaller performance space.
A short walk away on Southwest Lincoln Street is option two. Portland State University owns the land. That proposal also includes a larger performing arts center and smaller one, plus an educational building, hotel and parking.
A third option would take theater-goers across the Willamette River to Northeast Portland's Lloyd Center. Urban Renaissance Group, which owns the mall, unveiled its plan last fall. It includes tearing down Lloyd Center and replacing it with a theater, along with new homes, offices, restaurants and retail.
"There are pros and cons and different opportunities, they're all amazing sites," said Karl Lisle, spectator venues program manager for the city of Portland.
Lisle said Wednesday would be city council's first time hearing from all three groups.
"I think we need to be appreciative of what's been done and sort of be open to learning about these different ideas at this moment, at this point," Lisle said. "Try not to get too far down the road of, 'I have a favorite,' or 'I don't like this one' or whatever at this moment."
The city council will also hear public testimony on top of nearly 100 pieces of written testimony already submitted. Lajune Thorson, who sits on the Downtown Neighborhood Association board, wrote that she supports the proposal to keep the Keller where it is.
"The larger-than-life lighted programmable Keller Fountain will draw passersby to this dynamic display," wrote Thorson. "Instead of being hidden, a glimpse of upcoming performances will be available to everyone... A new more diverse audience will be attracted to see an opera or a ballet or a musical performance or a cultural event."
Katie Quick, who works downtown, wrote that she favors moving the Keller to the new downtown site near Portland State.
"PSU's proposal is the only option that keeps the Keller Auditorium open while the new complex is being built and keeps a performing arts venue in downtown," wrote Quick. "Small businesses and hotels downtown cannot afford to lose the Keller Auditorium for 2+ years while it's being rebuilt."
Quick's point mirrors concerns outlined in a new economic impact analysis. Metro, which operates the Keller, commissioned the report. Most notably, it predicts a long list of negative impacts and financial harm including lost jobs and revenue for other businesses, and displacing Oregon Ballet Theater and Portland Opera, not to mention Broadway Across America during a 24-month renovation.
After Wednesday, city council will start a public engagement period for feedback from different groups and stakeholders including Metro. The plan is to return to council in August for more discussion. It will be up to council members to choose the winning proposal.