The buildings that formerly housed Union Gospel Mission, Saffron, and ABC Music are scheduled for demolition.
The downtown properties north of Chemeketa Street, between Commercial and Front, that formerly housed ABC Music, Saffron and Union Gospel Mission, will soon look very different. These properties comprise almost a full block and are part of a redevelopment effort by the City of Salem’s Urban Renewal Agency.
The Urban Renewal Agency purchased the property with the goal of redeveloping the currently underutilized sites and turning them into projects that provide a catalyst for other mixed-use developments in downtown including affordable housing.
“Redevelopment of this block will change the profile of downtown and add vitality, energy, and usefulness to an area that is Salem’s city-center gateway from the west,” said Kristin Retherford, Salem’s Urban Development Department Director. “Downtown Salem has been experiencing a renaissance in major investment and development, and this is yet another tremendous opportunity to create a more vibrant urban core.”
3Kings, a Northwest environmental, excavating, and demolition firm was recently awarded the contract to remove any building hazardous materials and to undertake demolition of the buildings. Abatement is scheduled to begin in mid-October, with demolition following. The project completion goal is January 2023.
Salem’s Urban Renewal Agency is responsible for governing the City’s urban renewal areas. With assistance from advisory boards, the Agency board provides direction and approval for projects and programs to invest in and improve geographic areas in Salem.
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