General Information
For Keller Auditorium general information, please visit the City of Portland's Keller Auditorium website.
TIMELINE
March 2020
The City of Portland released the Seismic Analysis Summary Report outlining the structural deficiencies of the Keller Auditorium and potential options to renovate or replace the building.
The results of the report identified three key options for the facility’s future including different scales of work. The first option limited building renovation to address seismic upgrades only; the second option, detailed a major renovation Renovation in Place including new additions; and the third option, envisioned a full demolition and construction of a new facility.
An association of neighborhood property owners and design professionals, the Halprin Landscape Conservancy, became interested in continuing this work, directing their efforts at further developing and refining the Renovate in Place option to determine feasibility.
September 14, 2022
In a joint letter between the City of Portland and Metro, they each committed $200,000 in funding toward the Halprin Landscape Conservancy while requiring an additional private match of $200,000 to further determine the feasibility of the Renovate in Place option.
July 12, 2023
The City released a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) to explore the potential of constructing a new performing arts facility at an alternative site in Portland.
August 11, 2023
The City had received 8 proposals in response to the RFEI including PSU’s.
September 25, 2023
The City narrowed down the field of proposals, selecting 5 for further discussion and inviting each proposal team for an interview with City of Portland and Metro officials.
September 27, 2023
Halprin Landscape Conservancy presented their concept for a renovated Keller Auditorium to Portland City Council.
City Council Notice
Final Report
October 23, 2023
The Interviews for proposals to relocate the performing arts venue were conducted with the 5 proposers recommending the relocation of the performing arts facility.
November 9, 2023
The top two Renovate in Place proposals were selected for further study:
Lloyd Center, Urban Renaissance Group Proposal
310 SW Lincoln, Portland State University Proposal
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS IN THE PROCESS?
PSU and the Lloyd Center proposal teams have both entered into grant agreements with the City of Portland to fund additional concept designs and feasibility work. $50,000 in funding will be provided with one-time allocations to each of the two finalists from the Spectator Venues and Visitor Activities Fund.
PSU is currently engaged in community outreach and listening sessions to advance its design, developing the materials and products required in the scope of work as defined by the grant agreement with the City.
On May 29, 2024, PSU will present its concept to the City Council. At some point during the summer of 2024, the City Council will determine which of the three proposals will be selected as the path forward for the Performing Arts Venue.