Portlanders split on Keller Auditorium's future
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After city leaders this week punted a committee vote on whether to build a performing arts venue at Portland State University or reimagine the aging Keller Auditorium, Portlanders appear split on the issue themselves.
Catch up quick: Despite broader struggles across Portland's arts sector, the nearly 3,000-seat Keller remains a major draw — especially for touring Broadway shows — but is seismically vulnerable.
State of play: Two advisory groups recommended building a new Broadway-capable theater at PSU that would generate more revenue and attract larger audiences downtown.
What they're saying: During Tuesday's city life committee meeting, public testimony ranged from calls to reinvest in our existing, publicly owned venues to proponents of the PSU plan arguing that the university lacks modern spaces for performing arts education.
- Yes, but: Several residents, including District 4 councilor Olivia Clark, testified to urge the body to reject both options, considering the multimillion-dollar fiscal commitment.
- "We do not have the resources for either of these," Clark said.
What's next: The committee's discussion will resume Aug. 11.