Preservation Priorities
Skip ahead to complete listing of Most Endangered PropertiesThe Historic Salem, Inc. (HSI) Preservation Committee focuses on HSI’s preservation mission by advocating for the preservation of historic resources and for new design that complements the historic character of the City, as well as by providing educational resources and programs for the community. The preservation issues, potential threats to historic resources and educational opportunities listed are those that Historic Salem believes will have the greatest impact on the City’s historic resources in the upcoming year.*
If you’d like to more information about any of these projects or programs or if you’d like to find out about volunteering please call the office at 978-745-0799, or email
Current Projects and Issues- Most Endangered Historic Properties – Priorities
- Reuse of the former Elks Building – 17 North Street
- Design of potential MBTA garage at Salem Station.
- Advocating for appropriate reuse of the historic Registry building on Federal Street.
- Design Review of MassHighway plans for Bridge Street from North St. to Flint St.
- Annual Homeowners workshops
- Annual Sundays in September Walking Tours
- Annual Preservation Award program
- Document Digitization Program (Scanning Project)
- Preservation of the Central House portion of Old Salem News Building.
- Homeowners workshop – 2009 topic “Greening your Historic Home.”
- Sundays in September Walking Tours – 2009 theme “Northfields: The Houses and Garden Cemeteries of North Salem.”
- Participation in the Design Review of Salem State’s plans for the Canal Street Corridor. Complete report available on Salem State College website.
Current Projects and Issues
Preservation of Existing Properties
Most Endangered Historic Properties – Priorities:- The Courthouse Project
Construction, Re-use of the Superior Court & District Court buildings, & impact on neighboring historic resources. - Downtown Sense of Scale
Including current and any upcoming projects. - Salem’s Historic Urban Entrance Corridor
Because of the planning activity and physical changes in the Bridge Street Neighborhood, including planned improvements to Bridge Street by MassHighway and several city planning project, this corridor will be a primary focus for the Preservation Committee. - North River Neighborhoods
Monitoring the status of the proposed project on the former Salem Suede site, as well as any newly proposed projects that may arise. - Salem Jail Redevelopment
- In addition, all properties on Historic Salem’s Most Endangered Historic Resources List are followed throughout the year and action is taken in response to new threats or opportunities as they arise. (Click here for the complete Most Endangered Listings)
Preservation of Existing Properties
Reuse of the former Elks Lodge - 17 North Street
A successful project at this location will solidify this edge of the McIntire Historic District and have a positive impact on the neighboring Nathaniel Bowditch House, a National Registered Landmark and headquarters of Historic Salem, Inc.
HSI considered placing the former Elks Lodge on its Most Endangered List in 2008, however while researching this possibility we learned of the intent of a developer to convert the building to residential condominiums. Because of the developers cooperation we never needed to give the property Most Endangered status. The developer was willing to listen to our concerns while he went through the process of getting permits to build the project, completely changing the original design and accepting our design review team’s suggestions with eagerness. The result is the project that is currently under construction.