REIMAGINING THE KELLER
The Keller Auditorium Renovation Project
REIMAGINING THE KELLER AUDITORIUM
Built in 1917 and modernized in the 1960s, the Keller Auditorium has served the greater Portland region for more than 100 years and is the only theater in the Portland area capable of hosting Broadway performances, large operas, and ballet productions.
The Keller needs a major renovation to meet the requirements of a modern, world-class performing arts venue.
MARKING KELLER
In 2018, an international design competition was held to reimagine Keller Auditorium. The stunning architectural design by Stufish Entertainment Architects and Michael Curry Design was selected as the winner.
Over the next several years, the City commissioned structural and space planning studies to identify the structural and functional deficiencies in the Keller.
FEASIBILITY STUDY
The Halprin Landscape Conservancy partnered with the City and Metro to fund a feasibility study for the complete renovation of the Keller that would address the seismic, functional and performance deficiencies and incorporate the work from the Marking Keller design competition.
Hennebery Eddy Architects was commissioned to lead the study and assembled a consulting team including Stufish Entertainment Architects, Michael Curry Design, PLACE, Grummel Engineering, The Shalleck Collaborative, KPFF and Hoffman Construction.
THE REPORT
The final report was presented to the City Council on September 27th, 2023, and then updated in May 2024. The study concluded that it is feasible to upgrade the Keller Auditorium to the standards of a state-of the-art, 21st-century performance venue and to resolve the facility’s current physical and operational challenges.
A link to download the Final Report is available below.
LEADING A FOUNTAIN DISTRICT RENAISSANCE
When Keller Fountain first opened, Ada Louise Huxtable wrote that it “may be one of the most important urban spaces since the Renaissance.”
The proposed design turns the theater inside out — creating opportunities for the surrounding environment to, itself, be theatrical. Working together, the Keller Auditorium and Keller Fountain will be powerful public attractors.
IMPROVING THE GUEST EXPERIENCE
The proposed design solves a number of patron complaints. Expanded lobby spaces, multiple food and beverage outlets including a new restaurant and pub and larger restroom facilities will eliminate queuing during intermissions. Rebuilding the auditorium itself will improve accessibility, sightlines, seating, and acoustics.
MODERN BUILDING CODES
The proposed design will meet or exceed all current building codes including fire/life safety and seismic standards.
The design features a complete seismic upgrade to a standard equal to new construction — all while seeking to minimize impact to the existing structure and the associated costs.
COST AND SCHEDULE
The estimated construction costs and soft costs to complete this project on an accelerated schedule, where the auditorium would be taken out of service for only 19 months, is approximately $267 million, presuming a 2027 construction start.
For comparison purposes, this is a little more than half the estimated cost of a new performing arts facility and accompanying parking facility serving the same program, not including the cost of acquiring land or any added program spaces that may be desired for such a facility.
NEXT STEPS
The Keller Renaissance Project is a once in a generation opportunity to invest in the cultural heart of downtown Portland at a point in time when our city needs to reinvent itself. In 2016, the City of Portland partnered with the Conservancy and adjacent property owners to restore the historic fountains and plazas. Today, the Conservancy continues this partnership by providing enhanced maintenance within the Open Space Sequence.
The renovation of the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall is the exemplar of Portland’s ability to bring government, business, the arts, and philanthropy together to accomplish their shared vision. This important project will bring these partners together once more to support the arts and a downtown renaissance.
MAKE A DONATION
Support the Keller Renaissance Project.