Portland mayor supports PSU performing arts center, smaller Keller • Oregon ArtsWatch

The lengthy behind-closed-door deliberations about the future of the Keller Auditorium are finally about to go public, and likely spark even more conflict over whether to replace the downtown performing arts center with a new, city-owned venue at Portland State University.

Mayor Keith Wilson has released a proposed resolution to build a new 3,000-seat center at PSU as part of the university’s larger Performing Arts + Culture Center project.

The resolution calls for the new center to be built while the feasibility of renovating the 3,000-seat Keller into a smaller 1,200 to 1,800-seat venue is studied. It is scheduled to be considered by the City Council’s City Life Committee at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 28.

If approved, the resolution would then go to the full council for a vote. City Life Committee members include: Chair and District 2 Councilor Elana Pirtle-Guiney; Vice-Chair and District 4 Councilor Eric Zimmerman; District 1 Councilor Candace Avalos; District 3 Councilor Angelita Morillo; and District 2 Councilor Dan Ryan.

The resolution is opposed by Keller supporters, who argue that upgrading the existing city-owned venue is the most responsible choice – and that no studies have yet been conducted to determine whether a smaller Keller is a choice worth pursuing.

“The city has no funding plan, no studies that prove a need or market demand for a smaller Keller theater, and this provides no guarantees the Keller would eventually be renovated. We urge city councilors who have to pay the bills, to oppose this proposal,” said consultant Elise Haas on behalf of Friends of the Keller.

PSU project supporters say the Keller can never be renovated enough to meet the increasing needs of current and upcoming Broadway shows, which currently generate enough revenue there to help support the other city-owned venues in the downtown Portland’5 Centers for the Performing Arts. They say the shows could continue at the Keller while the center at PSU is being built.

“We appreciate the resolution to advance the development of a new city-owned Broadway-capable venue at Portland State University and the robust, collaborative process that has brought the City to this point,” PSU Foundation President Sarah Schwarz said. “For several years, PSU has worked alongside the City, arts organizations, labor, community partners and other stakeholders to explore a new home for the venue. Integrating it into the proposed Performing Arts + Culture Center would strengthen Portland’s arts ecosystem while creating meaningful opportunities for students and the broader community.  The City Council has the opportunity to advance the next phase of the joint pre-development work between the City and PSU, and we look forward to supporting that process.”

Wilson’s resolution is based on recommendations by advisory committees appointed by Portland officials that did not meet in public. It details the steps that led to the recommendations, beginning with a 2017 private design competition about the Keller and culminating with a June 26, 2026, recommendation by a majority of the members of the advisory Ex Offcio Table he appointed.

The resolution directs the Deputy City Administrator to develop a Project Commitment Agreement with PSU by Dec. 1, 2026.

The Keller Auditorium, at 222 S.W. Clay St., was built in 1917 and does not meet current earthquake standards. Its supporters originally backed a $290 million renovation proposal, but are now pushing for $10 million to $15 million in upgrades over the next five years while the council decides what to do.

Such a delay would prevent the new center from opening in 2030, however, a timeline that PSU is planning.

The new center would be located at 310/330 S.W. Market St. as part of a larger PSU Performing Arts + Culture Center. It would include academic space, smaller performance venues, hotel/conference facilities, parking, and other mixed-use components that are separate from the city’s project and funding requirements. PSU has already raised $157.6 million for its share of the overall project. Total city and PSU costs are estimated at around $650 million.

Keller supporters believe the entire PSU project is unnecessary and too costly.

“We oppose this expensive, impractical plan. It’s another two-theater proposal with a nearly $1 billion price tag,” Haas said.

Schwarz said the financial support the project has already received from the State of Oregon, the City of Portland, and private donors shows that it is viable.

“PSU has always approached this project as a collaborative partnership focused on delivering a long-term solution for Portland,” Schwartz said. “With the state’s early investment, as well as philanthropic support and public-private partnerships, this is an opportunity to bring new resources into our city while creating a destination that benefits artists and audiences, expands educational opportunities, sparks economic impact, strengthens downtown, and serves Portland for generations. The resolution also creates an opportunity to explore a new future for Keller Auditorium.”

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• Two views: Keller Auditorium and/or PSU Performing Arts + Culture Center? a previously published opinion pieces from the two sides, is available at Oregon ArtsWatch here.
• Future of Keller Auditorium headed to City Council, a previous Oregon ArtsWatch story on the project can be found here.
• Wilson’s resolution, additional meeting materials, and how to comment and watch the hearing can be found here.