Many critics have criticized downtown Portland for being unlivable and unsustainable, with some arguing that the area has devolved into an urban doomsday loop. However, not everyone has given in to that unfavorable message.Portland’s global classical music broadcaster, All Classical Radio (KQAC 89.9 FM), has moved to the city center and established a multipurpose, state-of-the-art headquarters that is stunning both in terms of appearance and technology.
President and CEO Suzanne Nance stated, “We have a strong belief in the core of the city.” In particular, we would like to support the downtown-based local art organizations. Across the country, we have often witnessed the revitalizing power of the arts. We needed a new home since we were outgrowing our facility at the Hampton Opera Center on the Eastside. Thus, we searched and discovered the ideal location at KOIN Tower.
All Classical Radio, which has more than 12,000 members, is utilizing its new digs to the most. It now occupies 15,000 square feet, 3,000 more than its previous location, on the third floor of KOIN Town, close to the location of the multiplex theater. It also has a stunning 100-seat performance hall and cutting-edge equipment for its broadcasting and recording studios.
“We had sixteen miles of wiring in our previous building,” Nance stated. We have thirty miles now. It ascends to the summit of KOIN Tower then descends again. Our broadcast towers are located on hills on Portland’s Westside, and we enjoy an unhindered view of them from our antenna. We also have optimal equipment placement for performance and regular maintenance, and we have enough power because KOIN is a broadcaster is in the building. That allows us to scale up to where we need to be.
Working with GBD Architects and Howard S. Wright Construction, All Classical Radio has a customized floor plan with offices, cubicles, and recording studios that are just the right size for its 28-member staff. Everything has been acoustically tailored by Tom Cooley of Listen Acoustics, a Portland-based firm that has designed acoustics for many performing arts centers, including Artists Repertory Theatre, Nike Corporate Theater, and Newport Performing Arts Theater.
The move downtown wasn t cheap. Everything was taken down to the studs and rebuilt. Nance estimates that the total cost will come to $11.5 million, and the goal is within sight.
We have raised almost $9 million in less than two years, she said. Gratitude! It s the community and their belief in our service. We are especially grateful, and we ve been creative and strategic at every part of the process.
Now the station has more room to develop content for its classical programming a 24-hour operation that includes streaming worldwide over the internet. In addition to the recording studios, All Classical Radio also has a large production studio that is acoustically sealed off from everything else around it. Nance and company intend to add a studio piano to that space for podcasts and rehearsals.
The main broadcasting booth looks like command central with the latest and greatest equipment, including a console that can cue up anything from the station s 35,000 track-digital library.Christine Dong
The main broadcasting booth looks like command central with the latest and greatest equipment, including a console that can cue up anything from the station s 35,000 track-digital library. Even though the host and co-host sit opposite each other, the setup allows them see the same broadcasting information at the same time. It s a game changer, said program host Brandi Parisi. It allows interaction in real time, which is just incredible.
In addition to broadcasting classical music and creating its own programs such as Club Mod, Played in Oregon, The Score, and Sunday Brunch, All Classical Radio creates content that it broadcasts over its International Children s Arts Network (ICAN). Focused on kids, families, and educators, ICAN is the only of its kind in the nation, and station s Moonflower Studio is dedicated to that effort.
Related story:This nationally syndicated Portland radio show celebrates music of the movies.
When visitors enter the lobby, they will can view the broadcasting booth that is placed directly ahead and hear what s being played. Off one side is a floor-to-ceiling wall of CDs and the nearby breakroom area called the Artists Caf , which is a short distance from the Artists Lounge.
The Irving Levin Performance Hall inside All Classical Radio s new home downtown will be able to seat up to 100 listeners.Christine Dong
But topping off the entire space is the Irving Levin Performance Hall, which will be able to seat up to 100 listeners. The hall is equipped with a 16 x 9 foot LED screen that will accommodate multimedia shows.
A lot of performances have a visual element, said Nance. We can do video. We have five cameras and proper lighting grid. We can also do link ups to BBC for example or Zoom meetings for corporations or other organizations that want to rent the space.
Connected to the performance hall is a recording studio with state-of-the-art equipment. Both the hall and the recording studio will open more opportunities for artists to perform and record.
Part of our vision to be a comprehensive arts and culture network, said Nance with a beaming smile. We are positioned to become a hub for artists and usher in a new era for Portland and beyond. The future is looking really grand.
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