Vancouver City Council in talks to plan new performance venue

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Vancouver is moving forward with plans to revitalize the community with a new performing arts space.

During Vancouver City Council’s workshop on Monday, city leaders discussed the potential development of a venue that could be used by local groups and touring acts. Duncan Webb — lead consultant for arts planning company Webb Management — presented a study on the feasibility of opening such a facility.

Based on research including interviews with community stakeholders, market trends and surveys with local arts organizations, the firm determined the site would have a gross square footage ranging from 40,000 to 50,000.

The venue would be built to host between 400 visitors and 600 visitors, or between 600 and 800. According to Vancouver Chief Financial Officer Natasha Ramras, the capacity would depend on whether there is a mezzanine section.

Webb noted that flexibility would be important for the facility, allowing for “inexpensive changeovers from theater style to cabaret to flat floor and other configurations.” City leaders were also encouraged to include a multipurpose room for rehearsals or other meetings and events, offer “strong” food and beverage options, and find an operator with a background in marketing and programming.

The space would host about 150 public performances each year. Consultants estimate it would cost between $1 million and $2.5 million to operate the venue annually, with grants and donations coming from private and public sectors.

Vancouver officials first commissioned the feasibility study in 2019, but the updated study also takes into account the area’s growth and demographic changes in the time since.

The city is already working on transforming its former community library into an Arts Hub. Planners estimate an adjacent venue would help further develop the community’s “cultural ecosystem.”

“New arts facilities have been recognized as a critical building block for the City of Vancouver to become what you want to be as a waterfront city, and this idea of places that support that unique cultural experience,” Webb said.

During Monday’s workshop, Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle approved further discussions on the new venue.

Webb’s presentation noted that city officials could consider building a larger venue in the future, but that is dependent on “other initiatives now under consideration in Portland.”