Welcome to the Salem Partnership's website. The Partnership differs from other business organizations in that its role is to focus on key, specific projects. Presently, its focus is on:
The renovation and expansion of the Courts Complex in Salem
This has been a longtime project for The Partnership. We are happy to report that the renovation and expansion of the J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center is close to fruition:
- This has been a longtime project for The Partnership. We are happy to report that the renovation and expansion of the J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center is close to fruition:
- The Law Library is now the cornerstone of the new Courts Complex. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of September.
- The new Courts Building is nearing completion. Furniture issues and locations are being finalized. A “punch list” is being reviewed which includes balancing and HVAC issues.
- The Courts Complex project is on budget and on schedule. It is anticipated that the new courthouse will open by late fall.
- The plan is to then renovate the Family and Probate Court
The Salem Port Development Project
An important part of this project is the ferry service from Salem to Boston. Salem’s own ferry, The Nathaniel Bowditch, is now in its fifth year of operation. It is a highly successful operation and is enjoyed by tourists, commuters and residents of the greater North Shore region.
The city of Salem purchased the ferry site in 2010 and began the fist phase of improvements. This phase is essentially complete. At a cost of $1.4 million.The work included installation of new waterline, a stormwater system, electrical conduit, construction of a seawall, final grading, base paving, striping and a larger, interim building with ADA restrooms, ticketing facilities and offices.
The next phase, estimated at $3 million, will include construction of the approach section, the first 200 ft. of dock, installation of floating docks and accessible gangways, as well as partial dredging. This phase is scheduled to be bid upon in the Fall with construction to begin in Winter 2011.
This is a $20 million project. The port facility will include a permanent terminal building, a harbor walk, dock facilities not only for the Salem Ferry but also for cruise ships and commercial and pleasure boats. The goal is to transform the waterfront into an economic resource and provide a pleasant venue on Salem Harbor for visitors and residents alike.
The Creative Economy
The Creative Economy Initiative is the third major project that The Salem Partnership is focused on. The Salem Partnership and the Enterprise Center at Salem State College initiated the Creative Economy Initiative on the North Shore in 2004. It was and still is, our belief that this segment of the Massachusetts economy is a powerful economic engine for our region and it is the consensus of all involved that this has been a most successful undertaking. The following goals have been met:
- The creative economy on the North Shore has grown as indicated by surveys that show new businesses and jobs have been created.
- The North Shore is now recognized as a unique center of creative economy activity and innovation
- A collaborative and coordinated regional approach has been developed and will continue to serve creative economy businesses on the North Shore.
- CEANS, the Creative Economy Association of the North Shore, has a seat on the board of the North Shore Alliance and coordination with this organization is moving forward. As an example, two networking events were held this year with over 100 people at each event.
- The Salem Partnership holds a seat on the 23-member statewide Creative Economy Council.
Parking Garage at the MBTA train station
This project was initiated by the Salem Partnership in 2008. It is a natural follow up to the courts complex project.
- In June 2010 Governor Patrick was the featured speaker at the Salem Partnership’s 23rd annual dinner. Both the Governor and Secretary Transportation Secretary, Jeffery Mullan, stated at that event and to the media that a true train station will be built in Salem.
- In April 2011, the board of directors of the MBTA approved $30 million for the Salem commuter rail. Also in April, Richard Davey, General Manager of the MBTA came to the Salem commuter rail platform and spoke to commuters about their needs and concerns. He again reiterated to all that a real train station would be built in Salem.
- In July 2011, The MBTA released the Salem station scope of work and schedule. Actual building of the garage is to begin in January 2013 and the project is scheduled to be completed in September 2014. It is anticipated that this will be a 28 month project.
Essex Street Pedestrian Mall
In 2010, the Salem Partnership in collaboration with the city of Salem and the Peabody Essex Museum began working on an initiative to update the pedestrian mall. The mall was developed during the mid 70s. After close to 40 years, most would agree that it is in need of a facelift and redesign.
- Utile Design and facilitator Larry Langford were both hired to conduct four public forums. The forums which were held between January and April 2011 gave businesses, property owners, and residents interested in the future of the mall the opportunity to come together to discuss ideas. The outcome was a selection of a preferred scenario.
- The next step is to obtain funding to move on to the design phase as well as develop policies and procedures for public art in Salem. The partners are presently working toward that goal.
The word "partnership" means collaboration and cooperation, and that is just what The Salem Partnership represents-- a coming together of all segments of the community to better serve the Greater Salem area, and to thus make it a better place to live, work and visit. We hope that you, the residents and business people of greater Salem will use this website to communicate with us. Please feel free to contact me at any time with your comments or questions.
Patricia H. Zaido
Executive Director