Historic Character:
Highlight the historic character of downtown - As evidenced by input from Salem Vision 2020 participants, Salem residents feel strongly about the historic features of the City Center which create Salem’s distinct look and feel.

Protect the character of the adjoining historic residential neighborhoods -  More than 20,000 people live within a half mile of the City Center. The vital residential neighborhoods surrounding the core strengthen the City Center and its visual appeal, providing a customer base within walking distance.  Maintaining stable, attractive residential neighborhoods in close proximity to downtown offers continued options for those that desire to walk or bike for shopping, dining, and commuting to work.

Continue to rehabilitate historic buildings - Many residents express preference for shopping and eating downtown because of the unique character of buildings and streetscape. Salem Vision 2020 participants appreciate the City Center’s architecturally unique historic buildings. Salem's Urban Renewal Agency is actively involved in the rehabilitation of downtown historic buildings through its Toolbox grant and loan program.

Marketing:
Create signage and wayfinding to improve access - Consistent, attractive signage to and through the City Center is important to City Center businesses and employers.  Salem Vision 2020 participants offered several suggestions to improve access, signage and wayfinding to and through the City Center including, a visitor information booth across from the Salem Conference Center; maps of attractions, suggestions for shopping, dining, and recreation; a walking tour of downtown, meandering through the alleys, along the area waterways, and identifying historic buildings along the way.

Create welcoming entrances for the City Center - A common theme was a need to entice visitors from freeways and City entrances to the City Center with clear, distinct signage. Once in the City Center, this project would lead to development of a set of consistent and recognizable physical attributes to distinguish the City Center and unique districts within. 

Other:
Develop better lighting and 24-hour security - Although the majority of survey respondents reported feeling safe downtown, maintaining a sense of security remains a priority for residents.  Salem Vision 2020 participants asked for increased lighting in surface lots and trails at Riverfront Park, along alley ways, and pedestrian paths under and near the Marion Street bridge. More lighting in these areas could provide a greater sense of security for people walking to parking areas at night and brighten up pedestrian access ways to and from Riverfront Park and between downtown and West Salem.

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