The Ever-Evolving Life of the State Theatre, a Historic Portland Gem
The recent listing for sale of the State Theatre (the Congress Building) has stirred quite a buzz in Portland. And it’s no wonder. This iconic structure at the corner of Congress and High Streets has been a cornerstone of the city’s Arts District for nearly a century, constantly reinventing itself to meet the needs of the moment.
From the beginning, the building was more than just a theater. Its ground-level shops and upstairs offices have seen a wide range of uses over the decades: a pharmacy in the 1940s, Portland Savings Bank in the 1970s, a corner store, and today, artist studios and galleries. That flexibility has helped it endure.
The theater opened on November 8, 1929, in a lavish space designed by Herbert W. Rhodes, the Portland architect also behind the Time & Temperature Building and the Eastland Hotel. Blending Spanish, Italian, and Art Deco styles, Rhodes created an interior of murals, tapestry rugs, bronze doors, and dramatic balconies—built to impress and to last, with fireproof construction and early sprinklers.
Initially home to vaudeville and silent film, the State soon became a bustling cinema, hosting live shows and children’s matinees. As other theaters closed in the 1960s, much like in Times Square it adapted—screening adult films, both gay and straight, during the rise of adult cinemas.
By 1990, the building had closed due to disrepair, but a major renovation in 1993 revived it as a live performance venue. Since then, it has hosted everything from drag shows and comedy to film festivals and concerts. In 1995, it also housed The AIDS Project, marking its role in Portland’s LGBTQ+ history and community support during a pivotal era.
Today, the State Theatre remains a cultural anchor in Portland, not just as a performance venue but also as a multi-use building, with ground-level shops and upstairs offices that span the High and Congress Street facades. Its ability to adapt to new uses is a testament to both its design and its spirit.
It’s more than just a theater. It’s a survivor.