Work begins to make Marion Parkade more open, safer

The Marion Parkade lot downtown will soon have see-through stairwells, and perforated metal walls on the ground floor, thanks to a city construction project that began Monday, April 6. 

The parkade remodel will include new stairwells, new overhead roof structures to protect people from the elements, transparent ground floor walls, and updated aesthetics and lighting, a news release from the city said last week. 

The updates are meant to make the parkade at 538 Liberty St. N.E. safer, reduce maintenance costs, and encourage parkade use, especially when it’s dark.

The parkade is one of three city-run garages in downtown Salem. It offers free parking for shoppers and permitted spots for people working or living downtown.

Minimal traffic disruptions are expected and lane closures will happen at night, the release said. 

The project is expected to cost roughly $6 million according to Engineering Program Manager Luke Gmazel. There will be about 740 spots that remain open during the project’s first phase, he said. 

The project is funded with Riverfront Downtown Urban Renewal funds, the release said. 

During the project, the city said signs will be put up to ensure safety. Work will be done in phases, with each phase focusing on a different corner of the parking garage allowing parts of the lot to remain open for use during construction. 

The project is expected to be finished by November, the city said. 

While permit and Americans With Disabilities Act parking will remain available, spaces may be shifted around during construction. Signs will be posted indicating appropriate parking spaces. 

Visitor parking will remain available, and the skybridge entrance to the Salem Center mall will stay open. 

Lanes on Northeast High Street and Northeast Liberty Street will be closed during night work from May 26 through June 1 and Sept. 16 through Sept. 18, respectively. 

Night work will happen between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. 

For more information on the changes at Marion Parkade, visit the city’s website. Those with questions about the project are encouraged to call the city at 503-588-6211 ext. 7310 or by emailing Gmazel at [email protected]. 

Contact reporter Joe Siess: [email protected]. 

“My go-to source every morning for accurate, local news.” Make Salem Reporter your trusted source for independent local reporting – every day. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe today.