In the early 1960s, the historical society approved plans to build a new facility for its exhibits, archives, research facilities and offices. In November 1964, the city's voters approved a ballot measure that sought funding for a $3.9 million rebuilding of the auditorium. The building had been renamed
Civic Auditorium by this time. The museum in the auditorium closed permanently in June 1965, with the exhibits thereafter being moved to temporary storage until completion of the new museum, which opened in fall 1966. In 1967–68, the building underwent an extensive remodeling, which included complete refacing with a new modern-style exterior, at a cost of $4 million. Architect for the renovation was Keith Maguire of Portland architectural firm
Stanton, Boles, Maguire & Church. It was ceremonially reopened on May 3, 1968. Only 17 percent of the original structure was salvaged as part of the remodeling, comprising mainly the north and south walls. In June 1970,
Ada Louise Huxtable called the redesigned auditorium "a building of unrelieved blandness". A 2020 seismic study has indicated that the facility is not built to withstand a major earthquake; in 2022 the city of
Portland dedicated $200,000 to study options for upgrading or replacing the facility. ==Notable events==