City News

City seeks developer to create “exciting new project” on vacant downtown lot

The city of Salem is searching for a developer to build on one of downtown’s few remaining vacant lots. It’s the most recent push in a years-long revitalization of downtown Salem.

Last Thursday, city officials said they’re looking for a developer to transform Block 45, which sits next to Pringle Creek, Riverfront Park and has a view of the Willamette River. 

The Pringle Creek block is on the corner of Southeast Commercial, Front and Trade streets. Sheri Wahrgren, the city’s downtown revitalization manager said the block is “the last amazing site next to Pringle Creek.”

What the block will be built into is not yet decided. It’s zoned for mixed use, meaning it can accommodate housing, retail, commercial and office use. 

“We aren’t specifying what we want to see there,” Wahrgren said. “It needs to be something that takes into consideration the location that it’s in.” 

She anticipates the development will include housing, with at least 15% of the units considered affordable. That’s the same amount Block 50 was expected to have.

Wahrgren said the block’s location will allow the development to “contribute to the vibrancy” of Riverfront Park. 

She hopes that the block becomes “another exciting new project, another option for a business or residents.” 

In the last year, the city has prioritized developing “underutilized” blocks around downtown, according to a news release about another block on Northeast Commercial Street.

Block 45 joins two others in the midst of being redeveloped.

Block 50, at the corner of Northeast Commercial, Front and Chemeketa Streets is under redevelopment to become affordable family housing with retail and public use. The former Wells Fargo lot at 277 High St. N.E. is undergoing construction to offer dozens of apartment units and retail space. 

 Developers interested in working on the Block 45 project need to submit a proposal and qualifications by Nov. 4 at 5 p.m. Applications are available online. 

Contact reporter Madeleine Moore: [email protected].

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Madeleine Moore is working as a reporter at Salem Reporter through the University of Oregon’s Charles Snowden internship program. She came to Salem after graduating from the University of Oregon in June 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.