The Gerding Theater at the Armory has been awarded the coveted LEED Platinum designation from the US Green Building Council, the highest sustainable design award available for a building in the United States.

With this award, the former First Regiment Armory Annex, built in 1891 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000, becomes the first building on the National Register of Historic Places to achieve Platinum status. It is also the first performing arts facility, and the first historic building on the west coast, to be so designated.

“Many wonder why sustainability matters to a theater company,” said Chris Coleman, Artistic Director of Portland Center Stage. “Though we're in the storytelling business, what we're really trying to do is connect with our community. Portland cares as much about its historic buildings and healthy indoor spaces as they care about plays. A Platinum building really shows our respect for our audience and, we believe, will help us achieve our mission in a more meaningful way.”