One of our nine 2017 Preservation Awards Winners was the renovation of the Former Klondike Club at 96 Lafayette Street. In the early part of the 20th century lower Lafayette street was a hub for the Franco-American immigrant community that lived in the Point. The Canadian Klondike Club was a key part of this community from 1895 until it closed in 1981. While certainly a noticeable building, the importance of this gathering space was mostly forgotten in the following 35 years.

​But today, the North Shore CDC and building owner RCG have transformed the historic Klondike Club into a modern, vibrant office space. When walking into the office, one is reminded of the historic charm of the social club with exposed brick, and restored tin ceilings, hardwood floors, mirrors from the dance hall, and wood details. Now the 2nd floor walls house a modern office layout, conference rooms, and a kitchen. RCG and the North Shore CDC have transitioned a forgotten cultural icon into a colorful and lively celebration of immigrant experience. With eight murals and large canvases telling part of the story and celebrating the culture of the Point’s Dominican Republic residents CDC may have to expand just to have room for their art collection.

Special thanks to all of the team members involved in this project, including Scott and Sean Allison of Supreme Builders and Pete Pitman of Pitman & Wardley Architects

We celebrate this renovation with a Historic Salem Preservation Award, presented to North Shore CDC and RCG.