Starting tonight, the city, in collaboration with Creative Salem & Salem Public Space Project, is hosting a series of Placemaking events to determine the future of the vacant lot at 289 Derby Street. These “placemaking community events” are a fantastic way to gather ideas and interests in the future of the lot.
Years ago, there were plans to transform the lot (and adjacent parcels) into a Bowditch park. In 1979, the city put forth plans that proposed a maritime-inspired park that took design cues from Salem’s sailing and trading history.
The entire 1979 proposal is worth a look-through! Not only is it interesting to see the potential that this project had but it is also a fun look at how design projects were once presented.
As these awesome placemaking activities happen at 289 Derby, we hope that a thread a maritime history is retained in this site. No matter the new use of 289 Derby, Historic Salem is excited to see what becomes of this place!
