PORTLAND, Ore. — The city has officially decided to proceed with both the renovation of the over 100-year-old Keller Auditorium and the construction of a new performing arts center on the Portland State University campus.
The Keller has not seen significant upgrades since the 1960s and currently faces critical structural issues. It hosts traveling Broadway shows, the Portland Opera and the Oregon Ballet Theatre. To minimize disruption, the resolution ensures that the PSU arts center will be built first, allowing it to host productions while renovations on the Keller begin. The Keller is expected to remain city-owned and reopen in 2031, while the PSU theater is anticipated to open in 2029 on Southwest Lincoln Street.
The total cost for the work on both venues is projected to be around $850 million. This includes a possible hotel and conference center addition. Over half the total cost is anticipated to come from local and state funding.
Bob Naito from the Halprin Landscape Conservancy stated it is “a big win for Portland for our arts and culture economy and for everyone from across the city and the region who come to downtown Portland for shows, concerts, and memory-making special events.”
Mayor Ted Wheeler expressed confidence, saying, “This is a strategy I believe will create the best possible outcome for all Portlanders.”
While Thursday's resolution lays out a path forward, several more steps are needed before work can commence. Next, the city is conducting a market feasibility study to determine if there is enough demand for two major performing arts centers. During the council meeting, commissioners appeared optimistic about the prospects.