Portland facing $1 billion-plus in arts, culture and entertainment infrastructure requests * Oregon ArtsWatch

"We can find a middle ground. PSU could reduce the size of its planned theater to between 800 and 1,200 seats, clearing the way for the Keller to be remodeled as a mid-size 1,500 to 1,800 seat venue."

"The choice has divided the City Council and Portland residents, many of whom prefer renovating the Keller to building a new center at PSU. Renovating the Keller, they say, would preserve an existing historic city asset, cost less, be more environmentally friendly, and would benefit the downtown economy more than a new one at PSU."

"The Keller does not meet current earthquake standards and has other structural deficiencies. A recent City-commissioned Market Feasibility Study recommended building the new center at PSU and not renovating the Keller, which prompted the first public hearing on the proposal."

Portland faces a decision about its performing arts infrastructure. A Market Feasibility Study recommended building a new 3,200-seat center at Portland State University as part of a larger development project including a smaller PSU theater, academic buildings, a hotel, and parking. However, this proposal has divided City Council and residents who prefer renovating the existing Keller Auditorium downtown. PSU Foundation President Sarah Schwarz proposed a compromise: reduce PSU's theater to 800-1,200 seats and remodel the Keller into a mid-size 1,500-1,800 seat venue. The Keller currently does not meet earthquake standards and has structural deficiencies. Keller supporters reject this compromise, advocating instead for renovating the Keller as a modern 3,000-seat center, citing preservation of a historic asset, lower costs, environmental benefits, and greater downtown economic impact.

Read at Oregon ArtsWatch * Arts & Culture News