Project updates from the Future of Keller team

Since the exploration of two Broadway-capable venues in Portland was greenlit by City Council in October 2024, the Future of Keller team has been hard at work making progress towards the project's goals. The following updates highlight progress underway for the Future of Keller:

Performing Arts Venues Workgroup

Goal: To determine the most effective operating model for Portland'5 venues

The City of Portland and Metro selected 19 community representatives to serve on a five-month Performing Arts Venues Workgroup. This dedicated group will examine the management structure for the City-owned Portland'5 Centers for the Arts, including the Keller.

Workgroup members bring a depth of experience in relevant areas including arts and culture, venue management, business, finance, labor, development, and government. They also represent small, medium, and large arts organizations, as well as local, regional, and national perspectives.The group includes:

• Brian Moore, Prosper Portland
• Chris Oxley, Metropolitan Exposition and Recreation Commission (MERC)
• Dana Rokosny, Musicians Union AFM Local 99
• David Peterson, Oregon Repertory Singers and Portland Gay Men's Chorus
• Diana Scoggins, Metropolitan Youth Symphony
• Donald Forsythe, Portland State University
• Dwana Smallwood, Vibrant Communities/City of Portland
• Isaac Thompson, Oregon Symphony
• Jeff Miller, Travel Portland
• Jim Brunberg, Portland'5 Advisory Committee and Portland'5 Foundation
• Karen Whitman, Halprin Landscape Conservancy
• Michelle David, Multnomah County Cultural Coalition
• Prentice Onayemi, Grains of Salt
• Rich Jaffe, Broadway Across America
• Rose Etta Venetucci, IATSE Local 28
• Ruby White, Portland'5 Culture and Community/Metro
• Ruth Wikler, Clark College
• Samuel Hobbs, push/FOLD and Union PDX
• Susan Dixon, Portland Opera

The group's first meeting was on January 22, 2025and they will submit recommendations to the Deputy City Administrator of Vibrant Communities and the Metro General Manager of Visitor Venues in June 2025.

Learn more about the Performing Arts Venues Workgroup

Market feasibility analysis

Goal: To determine the right size and demand for performing arts venues in Portland

With the opportunity for two Broadway-capable venues Downtown, the Citywill work with a consultant to conduct a market feasibility analysis. This analysis will help determine the viability of the two-venue approach and recommend the optimal number of seats for these venue(s). The team aims to have a consultant onboarded by summer 2025.

Traffic studies

Goal: To evaluate traffic impacts at current Keller site and potential impacts at new PSU Site

The Citywill work with a traffic engineering firm to see the full impact both venues may have on downtown traffic. The traffic impact studies will examine the potential changes to traffic patterns and conditions, and the team aims to begin work by summer 2025.

Future of Keller project timeline

The Future of Keller sequencing plan for two Broadway capable venues consists of three phases, (1) planning and development, (2) pre-construction and construction, and (3) construction and post-construction. Though timelines are subject to shift, the image below shows current project timelines across all three phases as of January 2025.

Future of Keller project background

Like most oldercivic buildings, the Keller Auditorium was not built to withstand a major earthquake. A 2020 seismic reportprovided a preliminary analysis of renovations needed to meet modern safety standards. Guest amenities, backstage facilities, and mechanical and production systems are also outdated. The Keller Auditorium needs modern upgrades to continue operating long into the future.

After the report was published,the City of Portland and Metro began evaluating possibilities for Portland's premier performing arts venue. The City and Metro worked with community partners to explore both a large-scale renovation of the existing Keller site as well as a new build, ultimately on a new site with Portland State University, only six blocks away.

In mid-2024, following more than a month of public engagement, the Portland City Council asked City staff to collaborate with the two interests and think big, prioritizing community needs, strengthening arts and culture and revitalizing downtown.

By October 2024, thePortland City Council had unanimously approved a resolution outlining a strategic plan for developing two Broadway-capable venues-renovating the existing Keller Auditorium and developing a new performing arts facility at Portland State University. This strategy ensures that Portland remains a premier destination for Broadway productions and other performances while minimizing disruptions to the schedule of events during any future renovation of the Keller Auditorium.

Interested in Future of Keller updates?

The Future of Keller team is currently assessing the best way to keep stakeholders, interested parties, and members of the public updated on news and developments related to the project. If you'd like to receive future updates, please add your name to our project notifications list.