The current debate over whether or not to rebuild the Keller reminds us of another time in Portland’s history.
When a nine-story parking garage was proposed on the current site of Pioneer Courthouse Square, the community rose up and helped the city plan for an open space concept that became Portland’s living room. We believe the same kind of thinking can help ensure a remarkable future for the arts in our city and state.
What if we saw the debate about where to locate Portland’s premier performance venue – a 3,000-seat jewel of an auditorium to host the latest touring Broadway productions as well as cherished traditions like the Nutcracker – not as a competition but as our city’s next great community opportunity?
There’s no question that the site Portland State University is essentially offering the city for free can better accommodate a big auditorium, and it’s a wonderful idea to include other cultural, academic and conference spaces there as well. Those attractions will together bring visitors and economic activity downtown beyond showtimes, which is one important goal of any major civic investment.
Choosing the larger PSU location for the city’s larger auditorium just makes sense, and it would hand Portland a second opportunity to locate a smaller theater — or some other right-sized attraction such as the James Beard Public Market — on the Keller block to enrich our cultural ecosystem and enliven downtown. The team behind the proposed Keller redesign has done a tremendous job envisioning how a redesigned space could connect to Keller Fountain Park and to the downtown neighborhood. Their work can contribute to a larger vision for the future of the fountain and the surrounding neighborhood.
In fact, the internationally recognized Halprin Sequence of walkways, parks and fountains that begins at Keller Fountain Park happens to run precisely between Keller Auditorium and the site PSU is proposing. If we were to build public amenities at either end of it, our city would gain a third remarkable opportunity: the chance to activate the Halprin Sequence, downtown’s hidden gem. It is marvelous to imagine pre- or post-show events and meals there and leafy strolls among galleries and shops.
The question on everyone’s mind is how it would work to construct two projects, and how to pay for it all. Sequencing is key. Building a big theater and other multi-use spaces on the PSU site would not be completed until 2031. Keller Auditorium could remain open and operating all that time, with no canceled shows, negative impacts for arts organizations or lost jobs or revenue. After which, work can commence on a reimagined Keller.
We know from experience that the bigger the vision, the more attractive it will be to funders. Outside investors, state bond dollars, federal grants, PSU and philanthropists will help pay for it – not just the city. In the end, a larger vision will provide our community with far more: an incredible arts, education and culture district; a much-needed economic boon for downtown; and national news about something bold happening in Portland.
At its public hearing on the Keller decision earlier this summer, City Commissioners noted that they are actively seeking a win-win solution for downtown Portland and Oregon. By committing to a long-term plan for public attractions at both ends of the Halprin Sequence, we believe they have found a win-win-win.
Christine and David Vernier are the co-founders of Vernier Science Education, a Beaverton tech company founded in 1981 that makes software and hardware tools to help educators engage students in science learning. Longtime supporters of educational, environmental and social service organizations, the Verniers have partnered closely with many local institutions, including the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Artists Repertory Theater and Portland State University.
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