We are excited to tell you we’ve received a Community Preservation Act (CPA)* grant that will help us develop plans to facilitate the installation of fire suppression and make the main level of our building safe and accessible to all. This is our first step in a capital improvement plan that will create a self-sustaining arts and culture hub to serve Salem and the North Shore for years to come!
Although the CPA grant was substantial ($65,000), we must raise $14,000 to pay the balance through individual donations, partnerships, and grantmakers. As our plans take wing to honor our past and reimagine our future, we must humbly ask for your support! By pitching in you can help ensure that the second life of this storied building, whose cornerstones reflect a belief in the inherent value of every person, is secure.
But why give money to a building? Good question, but we are much more than that! Ten years ago, many of you encouraged us to form The Bridge at 211 to keep this landmark from being converted into offices or residential condominiums. The vision was to preserve more than a building, but an architectural gem whose walls contain a rich repository of Salem’s history and lore along with stories waiting to be told. For those of you who weren’t in on those early conversations, our recent adaptive reuse study confirms that the active arts and arts education facility we aim to create will:
boost downtown development
align with “Imagine Salem” as a bricks and mortar project supported by market demand
enhance the city’s sense of community and authenticity
provide a significant positive impact with new programming opportunities
embrace the community’s diversity
help sustain local businesses
provide employment opportunities, and
play a role in entertaining the influx of fall visitors
The study also ensured that our ultimate goals are attainable and realistic.
Aspirational? Yes.
Possible? Yes, with your help!
We must remain closed during this time and will not be booking any events until this construction work is complete and we comply fully with the city’s building code requirements - but we hope to begin booking events soon.
*When combined with matching funds from the statewide Community Preservation Trust Fund, this dedicated fund is used to preserve historic buildings and resources, as well as other assets and initiatives.