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Old Salem Police Station, 1913, 17 Central Street (Listed 2000) Status – SAVED 2005
SUMMARY
Vacant since 1992, the Old Salem Police Station was completely renovated after several starts and stops. This historic structure has been transformed into residential condominiums, while preserving public entrances and historic details. The owners completed the Residences at Museum Place and sale of all condominiums in 2005.
Both the Salem Redevelopment Authority and the developers deserve recognition for having saved an important civic structure while simultaneously making an important contribution to enhancing the residential renaissance of downtown Salem.
History
(from Architecture in Salem, by Bryant F. Tolles, Jr.)?Designed by local architect John M Gray (1887-1977) and built in 1913, the Salem Police Station is a good example of the Colonial Revival style in public building design. Numerous elements in this symmetrical, rectangular, brick-and-stone-trim structure are inspired by Salem’s magnificent Georgian Colonial and Federal architectural heritage. These include modillioned cornices, brick corner quoins, tall round-arched windows with keystones, splayed window lintels, a broad belt course, and matching front entrances with semicircular fanlights, doric pilasters, and flat canopies supported by ornate baroque console brackets. A wooden balustrade that formerly encircled the flat roof was removed some years ago. The building has traditionally accommodated the city marshall, the police department, and until 1977, the First District Court of Essex County before it was removed to a new building (see C-34) on the corner of Washington and Church Streets.