Portland's Lloyd Center is set to embark on a significant transformation, with construction commencing next month—June 2025—on a new entertainment venue. This development marks a pivotal step in the long-discussed revitalization of the area.
The project, a collaboration between Portland-based Monqui Presents and global entertainment company AEG Presents, will see the former Nordstrom building on Northeast Multnomah Street demolished and replaced. In its place, a 68,000-square-foot, two-story event structure will be built. The venue is designed to be flexible, accommodating between 2,000 and 4,250 attendees, with features like a movable stage to cater to a variety of events.
This development is the culmination of nearly a decade of planning, with intensified focus on the Lloyd Center site in the past year. "The light at the end of the Lloyd venue tunnel just got a lot brighter and closer - it's full speed ahead,” stated Monqui Presents Founder Mike Quinn, signaling the project's momentum.
All roads lead to the Lloyd Center: The venue's location is advantageous. It benefits from proximity to light rail, streetcar lines, and the recently completed north-south bike and pedestrian bridge, enhancing accessibility.
Works Progress Architecture, a Portland firm known for projects like Denver's Mission Ballroom, is leading the design. The plan involves constructing an entirely new building above the existing basement, a decision that allows for a purpose-built venue with optimal acoustics and sightlines, rather than retrofitting a former retail space. This approach is intended to create a state-of-the-art experience for both artists and audiences, suitable for a wide range of musical genres and events.
The commencement of construction in June 2025 represents a tangible commitment to the Lloyd District's future, promising a new hub for entertainment and cultural events in the heart of the city.