Keller Auditorium Replacement or Refurbishment | Proposed

[downtownpdx]

Originally Posted by PhillyPDX

Sorry I guess I meant "easy" walking distance. Higgins/Luc Luc are like 15 minute walks with kids in tow. I'm thinking true urban, as in, a handful of places within maybe 3-5 blocks. Walk out the door, and in eyesight I can see a couple of restaurants/bars serving a theater crowd.

I just did a google search centered on Keller, zoomed to 5-6 blocks in any direction, open on a Sunday at 5pm. Pretty sparse selection. Almost 40 square blocks.

Yeah that’s true I most restaurants are not super close to the Keller. There is also Murata, across the street from the auditorium, sushi place since the 80s.

[sopdx]

Originally Posted by maccoinnich

Given the incredible site in front of the Keller Fountain, I agree. If rumors of the James Beard Public Market moving into an existing building are correct, that might be a great use? By the time the new auditorium is built, the old one demolished, and a new structure built on the site the JBPM could potentially have been in operation for a decade and be ready to expand.

I agree. That would be a perfect location for a market district.

[maccoinnich]

I've just started listening to yesterday's hearing (posted below). From the introductions, it does sounds like City of Portland / Metro staff are very concerned about extended closures, which would seem to favor the PSU and Lloyd proposals.

• Video Link

[babs]

Originally Posted by maccoinnich

I've just started listening to yesterday's hearing (posted below). From the introductions, it does sounds like City of Portland / Metro staff are very concerned about extended closures, which would seem to favor the PSU and Lloyd proposals.

• Video Link

Why can't you build a temporary theater for Broadway shows inside the Expo Center or Oregon Convention Center? It's nowhere near idea but it could be done. The Opera could share space at the Schnitz.

[PhillyPDX]

Originally Posted by downtownpdx

Yeah that’s true I most restaurants are not super close to the Keller. There is also Murata, across the street from the auditorium, sushi place since the 80s.

Oh yeah, Murata is great, but not open on Sundays. Which is a big day for performances.

[maccoinnich]

Portlanders now have a chance to weigh in on plans to replace or renovate Keller Auditorium

Should Portland remodel and retrofit the largest city-owned performing arts venue, or should an entirely new venue be built on a different site?

Now, just over a week after the city council heard three plans for the future of performing arts in Portland, residents have a chance to express their opinions about the future of the Keller Auditorium.

Keller Auditorium is the only venue in the city big enough to host Broadway shows. But the building is over 100 years and is classified as “unreinforced masonry.” In 2020, a seismic study found that the performance hall would suffer significant damage in a major earthquake.

...continues at the Oregonian.

Direct link to the survey.

[urbanlife]

Such a tough one to weigh in on because each option has it's pros and cons and I honestly don't know which is the right option.

[PhillyPDX]

Originally Posted by urbanlife

Such a tough one to weigh in on because each option has its pros and cons and I honestly don't know which is the right option.

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I think even hearing that is important, and would help to moderate the vocal minorities likely to be stumping for/against each.