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. Additionally, because KOIN is a broadcaster in the building, we have enough power and the best equipment placement for both performance and routine maintenance. As a result, we can scale up to meet our needs.
All Classical Radio, in collaboration with Howard S. Wright Construction and GBD Architects, has a specially designed floor plan that includes recording studios, offices, and cubicles that are the ideal size for its 28 employees. Tom Cooley of Listen Acoustics, a Portland-based company that has created acoustics for numerous performing arts venues, such as the Artists Repertory Theatre, Nike Corporate Theater, and Newport Performing Arts Theater, has customized the acoustics for everything.
The cost of moving downtown was high. Everything was completely demolished and rebuilt. The target is within reach, and Nance projects that the overall cost will be $11.5 million.
In less than two years, we have raised about $9 million, she added. Thank you! The community’s faith in our service is the reason. We have been innovative and strategic throughout the process, and we are particularly appreciative.
The station now has more space to create content for its traditional programming, which is available around-the-clock and can be streamed globally via the internet. All Classical Radio features a sizable production studio that is acoustically isolated from the surrounding area, in addition to the recording studios. For podcasts and rehearsals, Nance and company want to furnish that area with a studio piano.
With its state-of-the-art equipment, including a console that can cue up anything from the station’s 35,000 track-digital collection, the main transmitting booth resembles command center.Dong, Christine
With its state-of-the-art equipment, including a console that can cue up anything from the station’s 35,000 track-digital collection, the main transmitting booth resembles command center. The arrangement enables the host and co-host to view the same broadcasting information simultaneously, despite their opposite seating positions. According to program presenter Brandi Parisi, it’s a game changer. It’s amazing that it enables real-time interaction.
All Classical Radio produces content for its International Children’s Arts Network (ICAN) in addition to broadcasting classical music and producing its own shows such Club Mod, Played in Oregon, The Score, and Sunday Brunch. ICAN is the only program of its kind in the country, and station Moonflower Studio is committed to helping educators, families, and children.
Related story: This Portland radio program, which is nationally syndicated, honors film music.
Visitors can see the broadcasting booth immediately ahead and hear the music as soon as they walk into the foyer. A short distance from the Artists Lounge is the Artists Caf, an adjacent break room area, and a wall of CDs that extends from floor to ceiling off one side.
Up to 100 people can be accommodated in the Irving Levin Performance Hall at All Classical Radio’s new downtown location.Dong, Christine
The Irving Levin Performance Hall, which can accommodate up to 100 listeners, is the focal point of the entire area. A 16 × 9-foot LED screen in the hall can be used for multimedia presentations.
According to Nance, many performances include a visual component. Video is something we can do. We have a good lighting grid and five cameras. For businesses or other groups who wish to use the venue, we may also conduct Zoom meetings or link ups to the BBC, for instance.
There is a cutting-edge recording studio attached to the performance venue. There will be additional options for artists to record and perform thanks to the recording studio and the hall.
Nance grinned broadly and said, “It’s part of our vision to be a comprehensive arts and culture network.” In Portland and beyond, we are in a position to become a center for artists and usher in a new era. The future appears to be very promising.
All Classical Radio’s new Media Arts Center and broadcasting headquarters at KOIN Tower (222 S.W. Columbia St.) will have a free public grand opening on Sunday, December 8 from noon to three p.m. in the KOIN Tower main lobby. Reservations are required for free timed-entry tours of All Classical Radio’s new broadcast studios.
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