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
May 29th, 2024
All three proposals presented to the City Council.
August 14th, 2024
City Council decided to have PSU and Keller Renovate in Place proposals to work together and determined that they would not move forward with the Lloyd Center proposal.
PSU Press Release
October 10th, 2024
City Council decided to move forward with both the PSU and Keller Renovate in Place proposals.
City Council Press Release
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS IN THE PROCESS?
- Market Feasibility Analysis: An assessment of optimal seating capacity, financial feasibility, construction timelines, and more.
- Project Oversight: A project steering committee would be established to oversee the financial planning, construction management, and overall coordination of the proposed strategy.
- Traffic Study: Staff would explore the development of Third Avenue, beginning with a traffic study to evaluate the impact of a potential street closure. Development of Third Avenue would be considered as part of the future proposal to create a destination where visitors could enjoy a variety of experiences, drawing and keeping more people downtown.