Portland Opera is selling its 44,835 square-foot headquarters, known as the Hampton Opera Center, along with the associated parking lot, located on a 1.9-acre parcel on the east bank of the Willamette River. The building, purchased in 2003 for $5.7 million, houses a costume shop, rehearsal spaces, a performance space, and administrative offices. The sale aims to free the opera from a $2.4 million lien on the building, increase cash reserves and endowment, and support a move to a new location. The decision won’t impact the current opera season, including the upcoming 60th-anniversary season.
The Portland Opera plans to vacate its entire bundle, including administrative offices, rehearsal space, and the parking lot, as it searches for new quarters. General Director Sue Dixon stated that the building is significantly underutilized, with 70% unleased commercial space, increasing to 80% when not in production. The decision comes after five months of negotiation, and the opera company looks forward to securing a new location as Portland has available vacant spaces.
