PORTLAND, Ore. — A new era for Portland’s live music scene is officially underway.

Developers and city leaders ceremonially broke ground Wednesday on a two-story concert hall at the Lloyd Center Mall , a 68,000-square-foot project that supporters say will transform the neighborhood and bring the city’s music scene back into focus. Construction at the site of the former Nordstrom store has been underway for some time with the dismantling of the retail store and work underground.

The yet-to-be-named venue, developed through a partnership between Portland-based Monqui Presents and Colorado based AEG Presents, will seat between 2,000 and 4,250 people. It’s slated to open in early 2027.

Gov. Tina Kotek, who attended the groundbreaking, said the project represents a turning point for both t

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