A Rendering of the Proposed Portland Music Hall for 244 Cumberland Avenue, Portland. (Photo by Leonardo Ruben Marios)
Plans for a new 3,300 capacity music venue at 244 Cumberland Avenue in downtown Portland have been unveiled by Mile Maker Investments today.
This state of the art theater will offer an exciting new option for artists interested in “playng the city.” The 66,000 square foot venue is expected to host 125+ events each year. The development team has a goal to start construction in the fall of 2025 and hopes to open in late 2027.
The new venue will bring a major positive economic impact to the region and especially downtown Portland. The buildings’ design and programming will establish it as a new cultural landmark that takes the place of a surface parking lot and long-vacated printing press buildings. The venue will also contribute to the economic vibrancy of the city with employment opportunities. LIVE NATION will create more than 250 permanent jobs with base-pay starting at $20. per hour for all staff.
“Portland is a city that our company has been working in for nearly 50 years. The city has an incredible history of live entertainment, amazing restaurants, shops, hotels and cultural centers. We are so happy to enhance that reputation and create more opportunities to see live acts here,” said Todd Goldenfarb, of Scarborough-based Mile Maker Investments. “This new venue and the relaltionship with Live Nation, will raise Portland’s profile in the world of music and entertainment.
Design highlights include: A classic marquee that will create a new downtown landmark; incredible sightlines from every spot in the house, from the general admission floor to the premium boxes; accoustics that connect artists and fans in an intimate atmosphere; beautiful performance platform, framed by a proscenium arch; big glass doors open to a retro-inspired lobby with an operable partition that connects to the music hall, with exposed brick, manufactured in Maine.
“We are thrilled to announce this venue and grow the market for live entertainment in Portland. We see it time and again when a venue open a new option means more shows for more fans, generating more activity downtown. It is especially impactful for restaurants and hotels,” said Don Law, New England Chairman, Live Nation. “Likewise, we are so excited to have a local partner in Mile Maker Investments who will help us deliver a great addition to their hometown music scene.”
The venue will offer an exceptional experience for artists, fans and crews while highlighting the best of Portland. In addition to concerts, the multi-purpose venue will also host a range of events such as comedy shows, community events, corporate meetings, special events and more.