by University Communications
November 10th 2023
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Portland State University’s proposal to build a world class performance venue on its campus was selected this week by the city of Portland to be advanced for further study including engagement with the Portland community and a presentation to Portland City Council next year.
PSU’s proposal for a world-class performing arts center will include a 3,000-seat auditorium, an outdoor plaza, an on-site boutique hotel, a conference center and educational facilities. It’s the only plan to build a new auditorium to replace the seismically challenged Keller Auditorium that maintains Portland’s premiere arts venue downtown, retaining the continuity of the auditorium district and catalyzing further development in the central city.
“We are thrilled to have our proposal selected by the city for further study and look forward to engaging with the community and our city leaders to examine all of the ways this plan can benefit Portland,” said PSU President Ann Cudd. “PSU is Portland’s university and will take every opportunity to contribute to downtown’s revitalization.”
PSU’s proposal was selected along with a proposal to locate a performance venue in Northeast Portland at the Lloyd Center. Both would provide an alternative to renovating the Keller Auditorium on its current space-constrained lot in downtown Portland.
“PSU is an experienced developer with a long track record of partnering with the city of Portland on complex building projects,” said Jason Franklin, PSU’s associate vice president for planning, construction and real estate. “We look forward to the process of working with the city and organizations across the region to fine tune our proposal to meet the needs of our arts communities while contributing to the vibrancy of our downtown auditorium district.”
The city’s timeline includes further cost analysis, presentations to city council and community engagement around the proposals under consideration. The city will provide grants of $50,000 each to Portland State and Lloyd Center for further design work.
Read more about the project.