The historic but unsafe Keller Auditorium in downtown Portland should be renovated and not replaced with a new performing arts center at Portland State University or the Lloyd Center, according to a recent online survey of Pamplin Media Group readers.
The auditorium across from the iconic Keller Fountain at 222 S.W. Clay St. was built in 1917 and remodeled in the 1960s. A 2020 study commissioned by the city of Portland found the building could be damaged or even collapse in an earthquake. The Portland City Council is scheduled to vote whether to upgrade and expand it, replace it at either of two locations solicited by the city, or do nothing in July. Either of the first two options are expected to cost at least $200 million in city funds.
Complicating the decision is the fact that the closure to remodel the Keller, estimated at 19 months, would displace the touring Broadway Across America theatrical shows that play there, also reducing the revenue they generate for all city-owned performing arts centers and the regional economy.
The overwhelming majority of PMG readers who responded to the unscientific survey supported upgrading and expanding the Keller. The council will consider a proposal prepared by the nonprofit Halprin Landscape Conservancy. That option was preferred by a 69% of respondents.
“Downtown is in dire need of all the help it can get to recover its former vitality. The Keller is a major draw to a part of the downtown core that would otherwise wither if it wasn't there. In addition, it's an iconic building set across from one of the most famous landmarks in the city (Ira's Fountain) and the stunning redesign would capitalize on that setting,” said one respondent.
Twenty-six percent supported building a new performing arts center at PSU. University officials have proposed but one larger than the existing Keller Auditorium along with a smaller center, a related academic building, parking and more at the site of a current conference center located at 310 S.W. Lincoln St.
“The PSU option would not disrupt touring Broadway shows, would allow for a new, possibly larger state-of-the-art facility, and it would minimize the financial burden on the already strained City budget. The PSU proposal would also keep the major performing arts center in downtown and seems to be more fleshed out than the Lloyd Center proposal, which could take years and years to develop along with a master-planned community under a private developer if it happens at all. The PSU option seems like the clear winner,” said another respondent.
Eleven percent preferred building a new performing arts center as part of a new neighborhood replacing the Lloyd Center in Northeast Portland.
“Lloyd Center option comes first for me; it has excellent public transportation options and fronts Holladay Park. The existing building should be saved and renovated if at all possible, but we cannot afford to close it for 20 months without an alternative,” said yet another.
Only 5% said nothing should be done at this time.
“Who can afford the ticket prices as they are? This venue only serves those who can. Meanwhile, the rest of the city needs these dollars to become vibrant and safe again,” yet another respondent said.
The remodeling and replacement proposals will be presented to the council on May 29.
The survey generated 152 responses. Over 60% said they partake of the Portland arts scene at least monthly. The vast majority of those who listed their hometown said they live in Portland. Responses also came in from Beaverton, Canby, Fairview, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Neskowin, Seaside, Sherwood, Stayton, West Linn, and Wilsonville.
Some of the other responses:
Reader: “I like that the Keller is easy to get to when coming from south of town. I like to try to use existing structures instead of just always building new, however, any improvement would be welcomed in my opinion. We have been season subscribers to the Broadway series for many, many years, and pay a pretty penny to see the talent come through Portland. I grew up going to Broadway in NYC, and love that we can see the touring theatre here in Portland. The acoustics in the Keller auditorium are atrocious. I would hope that whatever improvements are made, that serious consideration is given to sound quality for the theatre.”
Reader: “I think building a new arts center on the PSU campus keeps foot traffic in a fairly familiar area and it minimizes the change that visitors would need to adjust to. I adore the Keller but I think renovating it, and thus causing a multi-year disruption to the Broadway in America series would be devastating to the arts economy in Portland. Shows should continue to perform at the Keller while a new facility is being built and then transfer the series to the new building.”
Reader: “We have much larger issues at play in Portland that need to be a priority. We have a reputation problem. Millions have been invested in that building and the sound and hvac are subpar. Cut our losses and close it.”
Reader: “From a sustainability standpoint, the renovation of an existing building has a far smaller impact on the world. Additionally, the current location is known and loved. It is a destination and integral part of that neighborhood. Removing it would leave a massive gap that would need to be filled.”
Reader: “The Keller is an unfixable mess. Terrible acoustics, sightlines and a very ugly building. The Lloyd District is perfect for a revitalization and expansion of the ‘downtown’ arts scene.”
Reader: “It is better to have a state-of-the-art performance center and by building new the old can remain functional. Then the building can be razed and available for the arts or for other purpose.”
Reader: “I'm really ambivalent about the choices. While I prefer the Keller's location, I read that the company that brings Broadway shows to various cities said it would really be hard to bring shows back to the Keller if it was closed for 19 months to 2 years for renovation. Yet, I think the PSU site is very poor (not close to restaurants or much parking), and Lloyd Center doesn't even register (too far from downtown; not sure it's gotten safer). As I said, I'm ambivalent.”
Reader: “The Keller Auditorium is a Portland staple. It activates an otherwise quiet part of town, and is in relationship with iconic places such as the adjacent Keller Fountain. Do not relocate! We need to invest in our downtown neighborhoods!”
Reader: “Fix the city drug and homeless problem first!”
Reader: “The loss of revenue from remodeling Keller would be too damaging for years to come. The city and arts scene can’t afford this financial hit.”
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