Keller at 100: Key events highlight community's performing arts showcase (slideshow)

Construction of the Public Auditorium, sometimes called the Municipal Auditorium, is completed to the tune of $600,000 – about $14 million in 2017. The imposing brick and glazed terra cotta building was inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture.

July 4, 1917: Construction of the Public Auditorium, sometimes called the Municipal Auditorium, is completed to the tune of $600,000 – about $14 million in 2017. The imposing brick and glazed terra cotta building was inspired by the Italian Renaissance architectural style, and seated about 4,000 people.

Portland Symphony at the historic Civic Auditorium

October 28, 1917: The first performance of the Portland Symphony Orchestra – now the Oregon Symphony – at the Public Auditorium.

October 28, 1917: The first performance of the Portland Symphony Orchestra – now the Oregon Symphony – at the Public Auditorium.

President Dwight D. EisenhowerEisenhower speaks at the auditorium to a packed house during his re-election campaign. All 4,000 seats inside the auditorium were filled, with an estimated 2,000 others standing outside

October 18, 1956: President Dwight D. Eisenhower speaks at the auditorium to a packed house during his re-election campaign. All 4,000 seats inside the auditorium were filled, with an estimated 2,000 others standing outside.

1. Auditorium begins a $4 million – about $31 million in 2017 dollars – tax-funded renovation project. Only a small fraction of the original building is retained, with some of the exterior materials being recycled to other Portland venues.

1965 - Auditorium begins a $4 million – about $31 million in 2017 dollars – tax-funded renovation project. Only a small fraction of the original building is retained, with some of the exterior materials being recycled to other Portland venues such as the Japanese Garden and the Community Music Center. The final show at the old auditorium was a performance of "Auld Lang Syne" by the touring Scottish White Heather group

Partial demolition of the old Portland Civic Auditorium

1966 - Parts of the old Portland Civic Auditorium are demolished as part of a massive renovation project.

1966 - Parts of the old Portland Civic Auditorium are demolished as part of a massive renovation project.

May 3, 1968: The new auditorium building re-opens to the public, and is renamed the Civic Auditorium. The Oregonian describes the revamped structure as "magnificent", "tasteful", and "functional." Led Zeppelin performs there on Dec. 29.

May 3, 1968: The new auditorium building re-opens to the public, and is renamed the Civic Auditorium. The Oregonian describes the revamped structure as "magnificent", "tasteful", and "functional." Led Zeppelin performs there on Dec. 29.

Oregon Ballet Theatre principal dancers Peter Franc, Brian Simcoe, Xuan Cheng and Chauncey Parsons perform Nicolo Fonte's "Rhapsody in Blue" in 2017. Photo by Yi Yin / Oregon Ballet Theatre.

1989: The Oregon Ballet Theater is founded as a result of a merger between Pacific Ballet Theater and Ballet Oregon, and takes up residence at the Civic Auditorium. Here, Oregon Ballet Theatre principal dancers Peter Franc, Brian Simcoe, Xuan Cheng and Chauncey Parsons perform Nicolo Fonte's "Rhapsody in Blue" in 2017. Photo by Yi Yin.

The Oregon Children's Theater becomes a resident company of the Portland Center for Performing Arts – now Portland'5 Centers for the Arts. Debut performances of "Secret Garden" and "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" are held at the Civic Auditorium.

1991: The Oregon Children's Theater becomes a resident company of the Portland Center for Performing Arts – now Portland'5 Centers for the Arts. Debut performances of "Secret Garden" and "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" are held at the Civic Auditorium.

2001: A $1.5 million donation – worth $2.1 million in 2017 dollars – from Richard Keller in memory of his father, Portland Development Commission chair Ira Keller, allows for a second major renovation of the auditorium.

2001: A $1.5 million donation – worth $2.1 million in 2017 dollars – from Richard Keller in memory of his father, Portland Development Commission chair Ira Keller, allows for a second major renovation of the auditorium. The building is then renamed to Keller Auditorium in recognition of the family.

By Pierce Girkin

Nov. 7, 2017 2:30 p.m.

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