
The area near the intersection of Commercial and State Streets in Salem's downtown core was the first hub of commerce in our early years. This was where you went "to town," and the city soon quickly developed around --and even over--it in the ensuing years. Soon this area within the Salem Downtown Historic District will have a totally different look. Kimberli Fitzgerald, Historic Preservation Officer for the City of Salem, joined us once again to provide an update on current and proposed historic preservation projects happening in our town center.

Due to its sensitive location, an archaeological monitor was onsite when the brick foundation of the former building was uncovered. The "inadvertent discovery" was documented and the construction work continues.

As you may recall from earlier stories, the Holman Building was the center of Oregon state government following the burning of the first Capitol building, from 1857 until 1876 when the second Capitol Building was constructed.
In the before-after photos (left) from the SHINE website, the original Holman Building is seen c1940 (top) and the Marion Car Park, c2000.

Another proposal expected soon is for construction of an accessory structure at the historic AC Gilbert Children's Museum site to house the new Bubble House, relocating the ever-popular museum attraction that was closed a few years ago to prevent further damage to the historic building. We'll keep you posted as these proposals move through the City's review processes.

The photograph on the left depicts a curving section of trolley track found in the middle of 14th Street NE. The photograph to the right shows a straight section. Four sections were discovered during the street project. |
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