PSU PROPOSAL FOR REPLACING KELLER AUDITORIUM
Dear Campus Community,
I write today to share some very preliminary but potentially exciting information about a once in a century development opportunity for downtown Portland and Portland State. In recognition of our longstanding committed partnership with the city, PSU received a direct invitation from the city of Portland to respond to the Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) to explore potential sites for a new performing arts venue to replace Keller Auditorium.
In response, PSU submitted a letter of interest outlining the potential to build a new, world-class entertainment venue on the current site of the University Place Hotel & Conference Center.
As we know, PSU is an experienced downtown developer with a proven track record of creating partnerships — with city bureaus, arts organizations and other educational institutions — maximizing financing opportunities for large capital projects including access to state bond programs. The response filed with the city outlines a draft site plan that would include a state-of-the-art performance space, a new hotel and conference center, alongside space to accommodate academic programs.
We are still very much in the early stages of conceptualization and there are many hurdles yet to be cleared. However, I wanted to share this information with you as PSU’s interest is likely to be covered by local media. We expect to be invited by the city to an interview to further explore the idea and will have a better sense of whether it will move forward by the end of the year.
I want to assure you that this proposal does not affect PSU’s general fund or budget planning. Our primary focus on our students and our academic and research priorities remains steadfast. In fact, this project holds the potential for future growth in academic alliances and community engagement, in addition to new learning, professional development, and cultural opportunities for students, faculty and staff.
I am excited to explore this extraordinary opportunity for Portland and Portland State to reaffirm Portland’s place as a premier cultural city and support our efforts to catalyze Portland’s renaissance.
Sincerely,
Ann E. Cudd
Portland State University President