Designated historic properties are an important part of Salem’s history and help give the city its unique character. Salem was founded in 1841 and became Oregon’s capital in 1850. Today, the city has over 150 individually listed historic properties, with buildings dating from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s. Salem also has four National Register Historic Districts, each with its own unique history and significance.

Salem’s National Register Historic Districts

1. Gaiety Hill/Bush’s Pasture Park Residential District (1986)

This district is located south of Salem’s central business area. It is known for its collection of Bungalows built between 1900 and 1915 along the west side of High Street, across from Bush’s Pasture Park.

2. Court-Chemeketa Historic District (1987)

This residential district is east of the State Capitol Building. It features homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The district is named after its two main streets, Court Street and Chemeketa Street. Court Street is especially notable for its wide, 99-foot boulevard, which was designed in the late 1800s to connect the neighborhood to the Capitol Mall, downtown Salem, and the Willamette River.

3. Salem’s Downtown Commercial Core (2001)

This historic district covers seven blocks in Salem’s downtown area. It reflects the city’s commercial development from 1867 to 1950. The district showcases a variety of architectural styles, including late 1800s Italianate, Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque, as well as early 1900s styles like Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern.

4. Oregon State Hospital (2008)

The Oregon State Hospital is the oldest institution in Oregon for treating mental health disorders. The district spans 130 acres and features a pastoral design with buildings, cottages, parks, trees, curving roads, and walking paths. This layout reflects the treatment philosophy for mental health during the late 1800s.

Benefits of Owning Historic Properties

Owning a historic property comes with unique responsibilities, such as additional reviews for exterior remodeling and construction. However, it also provides several benefits, including financial incentives and community involvement.

Key Benefits

As a historic property owner, you may enjoy:

• Financial Assistance: Access to tax benefits and grants to help maintain your property.
• Increased Investment Value: Historic properties often retain or increase their value over time.
• Neighborhood Stability: Historic districts tend to foster stable, well-maintained neighborhoods.
• Community Connection: Join a network of engaged historic property owners who share an interest in preserving Salem’s history.

Optional Features

• Historic Plaques: You are not required to purchase a plaque, but many owners choose to display information about their property for visitors.
• Tours: Participation in local tours of historic properties is completely optional.

Grant Money for Historic Properties

If you own a historically designated residential property, you can apply for financial assistance through the City’s Residential Toolbox Grant.

How the Grant Helps

The grant provides funding to:

• Enhance, maintain, or restore your historic property.
• Offset the higher costs often associated with repairing and maintaining historic homes.

Grant Cycles

The City offers two grant cycles each year, giving property owners multiple opportunities to apply for funding.

Tax Incentives for Historic Properties

Owning a historic property can make you eligible for valuable tax incentives.

Special Assessment Program

If your property is designated as “historic contributing” within one of Salem’s National Register Historic Districts, you may qualify for the Special Assessment Program. This program, administered by the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, can freeze your property tax rate for ten years.

Federal Historic Tax Credit

If your historic property is income-producing, you may also qualify for the Federal Historic Tax Credit. This program provides financial incentives for restoring and maintaining historic properties.

Learn More

For more information about these programs, contact the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office.

Certified Local Government Responsibilities

As a Certified Local Government, established in 1986, the City of Salem is required to have a historic design review process administered by qualified staff and a Historic Landmarks Commission in order to ensure that all designated resources on the National Register of Historic Places retain their integrity. Interior alterations are not subject to historic design review, however exterior alterations are subject to review.

Review of Exterior Changes

If you plan to repair or remodel the exterior of a historic structure or site, including properties within a historic district, you must go through a historic design review. The review is conducted either by City staff or the Salem Historic Landmarks Commission, depending on the type of work and the property’s designation.

Determining Your Property’s Designation

The type of review required depends on whether your property is designated as historic contributing or non-contributing. To find your property’s designation:

• Contact City staff.
• Look up your property on the Salem Historic Buildings map.

Examples of Changes Requiring Review

The following types of exterior changes must go through historic design review:

• Replacing siding or windows with a different type, style, or material.
• New construction.
• Removing or demolishing a historic building.

Work That Does Not Require Review

Some work does not require historic design review, including:

• Interior remodeling.
• Ordinary maintenance and repair, such as painting.

Additional Resources

For more details, refer to Table 230-1 in Salem Revised Code 230.020. This table outlines the type of review needed for specific types of remodeling and repair projects.