Portland State has added new project partners to its team as the university refines its proposal to build a state-of-the-art performing arts complex in downtown Portland.
Bora Architects, a Portland firm nationally known for its work on arts and education buildings, and Colas Construction, a Portland-based, community-connected construction firm have signed on as partners to help further develop the proposal.
Beyond a standalone performing arts building, PSU's concept for a destination performing arts complex on Southwest Lincoln Street includes multiple interrelated elements. An outdoor plaza will front a newly constructed 3,000 seat auditorium with generous cast and crew support spaces with superior load in/out capabilities. The auditorium’s expanded lobby and pre-function space will allow for large community and cultural gatherings, events and merchandising opportunities. An adjoining privately funded boutique hotel and conference center will offer multiple restaurant and bar venues. Educational spaces, funded from university sources, will allow for academic integration and opportunities in the complex.
“We jumped at the opportunity to create a performing arts center in Portland that will be equal to any on the west coast,” said Michael Tingley, principal with Bora Architects. “Portland needs to shake off its doldrums and this project will be a catalyst for that, combining the youthful vibrancy and educational mission of Portland State with an exciting and active arts center for the community that will spur investment and a reimagination of downtown Portland, unlocking untapped creative potential.”
“The new PSU performing arts center will champion sustainability with mass timber, embracing eco-friendly practices that reflect our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Andrew Colas, president and CEO of Colas Construction. “We are elated to support this project as it goes beyond infrastructure by demonstrating a commitment to foster a community ethos connecting through diverse, multifaceted opportunities, to bolster the development of a thriving and inclusive artistic culture.”
Both Bora and Colas are committed to sustainable design and building practices that center equity.
Portland City Council last week approved the grant agreement with PSU for additional concept design and feasibility work. PSU will more than double the $50,000 grant amount in budget and staff time as it embarks on a series of meetings and listening sessions with arts organizations of all sizes to refine their proposal to best meet the needs of the nonprofits who stage performances as well as the diverse audiences who will come to see them.
“Portland State was invited to submit a proposed alternative to the renovation of Keller Auditorium and is actively pursuing what we believe is the best plan for the future of the performing arts in Portland and for Oregon,” said PSU President Ann Cudd. “We are delighted to have others join us to help us envision a dynamic and multipurpose cultural center that will serve our city for the next century.”
The 4.25-acre site for the proposed performing arts center is the largest parcel of developable land in downtown Portland. PSU’s proposal is being considered by the city alongside a proposal to renovate the existing but seismically unsafe Keller Auditorium and a proposal to build a performing arts center on the east side of the Willamette River in the Lloyd Center district. The City Council will provide direction forward this summer.
“Our project team understands that the thriving cities of the future will have elevated cultural offerings as a cornerstone of a live, work, play and learn environment,” said Jason Franklin, PSU’s associate vice president for planning, construction and real estate. “Should our proposal be selected by the city it will send an important market signal that downtown Portland is back and ripe for investment in innovative development.”
For more information about the proposed project visit: www.pdx.edu/construction/performing-arts-venue