Portland planners recommend approval of new concert venue in Central Eastside
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The City of Portland may make way for a new concert space in the Buckman neighborhood.
On June 27, a staff report from the bureau now known as Portland Permitting and Development recommended that city leaders approve plans to develop a site on Southeast Water Avenue between Salmon Street and Main Street.
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According to the staff report, the proposal includes three undeveloped lots owned by Prosper Portland. Two of the lots would be used for parking, while the center lot would feature a 62,000-square-foot, four-story scale venue. The space would hold 1,280 seats with a maximum capacity of 3,500 for concertgoers.
City Planner Andrew Gulizia wrote that the proposed building’s modern design “would be both attractive and compatible with the industrial character” of the Central Eastside District, while reinforcing the area as a hotspot for the performing arts and tourism.
Staff estimated the building wouldn’t hinder quality of living, as it is located blocks away from residential areas.
“…the concert venue would create a higher level of activity in the evenings to deter crime and support nearby bars and restaurants without interfering with industrial businesses that operate primarily in the daytime,” Gulizia added. “In addition, the applicant would be required to install public improvements such as wider sidewalks and street trees around the development site.”
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The planner also noted transportation access, with the proposal located nearby several TriMet lines and the Eastbank Esplanade that is popular among cyclists.
Prosper Portland reached an agreement with Beam Development, the same company behind the Eastbank Commerce Center Hotel Grand Stark, to develop the new site.
Although the staff report doesn’t mention Live Nation, previous reports said Beam connected with entertainment company Live Nation to introduce a new performance space to the city.
Portland is one of the few major metro areas without a Live Nation venue. The company’s roster includes other popular concert sites such as the Hayden Homes Ampitheater in Bend and RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield.
Although city planners estimate the proposed venue could bolster activity and tourism, others fear its development would hinder Portland’s independent music scene.
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Portland Permitting and Development has a public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, July 10. Residents have until then to submit comments on the proposal.
Live Nation and Beam haven’t yet responded to the request for comment.
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