65 Washington Street “Salem District Court” Building Schematic Design Review and Vote

Rendering Washington Street facade from proposal presented at last month's meeting, June 28, 2017.

Rendering of Church Street facade from proposal presented at last month's meeting, June 28, 2017.

What’s Happening:  On Wednesday, July 26 at 6:00 p.m. at 120 Washington Street, 3rd Floor Conference Room, there will be a joint meeting of the Design Review Board and the Salem Redevelopment Authority.  The Design Review Board agenda includes continued discussion and vote to approve the schematic design for 65 Washington Street – the proposed new condominium development by Diamond Sinacori, LLC and Urban Spaces, LLC on the former Salem District Court site. Click here for the agenda.

Why This Matters: This is a very high impact project because of its size and location at the entrance corridor to the downtown.  The project will tear-down the empty Salem District Court building at the corner of Federal and Washington Streets and build a new condominium complex.  It will stretch almost an entire city block from Federal Street to Church Street, and will be one of the first large buildings seen when arriving downtown.  It is important that the Design Review Board require quality design.

Historic Salem Opinion:  An important part of our mission is to ensure that new development complements the historic character of the city. The quality of construction, as well as the design of this building, has been under significant scrutiny and criticism from the City as well as Historic Salem and residents of Salem.  We are asking for pedestrian friendly street-level design (from both storefronts and parking areas) and details that compliment the neighborhood.  It is important to speak up for a good design, materials, and scale for this project because once it is built, it is here to stay.

What You Can Do: Please consider attending the meeting with us on Wednesday, July 26th or e-mail an opinion to the Design Review Board directly. 

We also have a Facebook conversation about good design in Salem, read what others think and let us know your thoughts.