Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek on Thursday directed the Department of Administrative Services to terminate the state’s contract for the sale of about 32 acres at the Mill Creek Corporate Center campus in southeast Salem for a proposed data center, putting the controversial project’s future in jeopardy.

The land accounts for half of the 75-acre plot where tech company Verrus hopes to build the $5.1 billion Oakline at Mill Creek project.

Kotek’s announcement comes days after hundreds of people turned up on July 27 to rally against the proposed data center.

Salem City Council is slated to hold a special meeting on Aug. 3 to consider initiating a moratorium on AI data centers and amending zoning codes to regulate such developments.

Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi stressed previously that the project is “not a done deal” and city leaders want residents to voice their concerns and be included in the public process.

Kotek said she made the decision regarding the sale upon learning of the proposed development. Her office said it reflects her commitment to ensuring state assets are managed in a manner that advances Oregon’s long-term interests, supports local communities, and aligns with the state’s priorities around affordability, responsible economic development and stewardship of public resources.

“This decision is about my responsibility to make sure state actions reflect Oregon’s values and serve the public interest,” Kotek said. “I believe in growing Oregon’s economy and welcoming new investment, including in the technology sector. But growth has to make sense for the community, for our infrastructure, and for our natural resources. Oregonians have made it clear they expect thoughtful, responsible decisions about projects of this scale, and I agree.”

Her office said the governor supports economic development that creates family-wage jobs, strengthens regional economies, and helps Oregon compete for future investment while balancing impacts on housing, energy, water, transportation, and quality of life.

The state will continue working with local governments, businesses and communities to advance these economic development opportunities, Kotek said.

Kotek, in January, formed a Statewide Data Center Advisory Committee to develop policy recommendations. Committee members are scheduled to meet July 31 and on Aug. 4 will discuss and deliberate a draft report.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in The Statesman Journal and then was distributed on the USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.

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The deal to create a $150 million mixed-use hub at the former home of Truitt Bros. Cannery fell through, but the developer helming the project said his company hopes to revisit the contract if Salem can prove its worth as an investment.

Aaron Stickney, co-founder and managing member of SilverSphere Capital, previously told the Statesman Journal that the purchase was under contract and expected to close this summer, with demolition following shortly thereafter.

Stickney and SilverSphere stepped in after the plan to transform the former cannery north of downtown stalled under previous leadership. The deal fizzled because the seller wasn’t willing to extend the contract, Stickney said.

Almost 800 apartments, a grocery store, an automatic parking garage, a wine bar, and restaurants were planned for the site.

Jordan Truitt, who acted as the property’s listing broker along with Josh Kay of First Commercial Real Estate, confirmed that the purchase and sale agreement had expired.

“The buyer and seller have been unable to reach reasonable terms for any further extensions of the agreement,” he said. “The Truitt family has been a thoughtful and patient steward of this property for generations and remains fully committed to the redevelopment of the cannery site.”

Stickney said he was hopeful they could return to the table and close the deal, but he expressed serious concerns about investing in Salem.

“Several things are stalling any progress in Salem: the growing homeless situation that no one seems willing to address, ongoing City Council infighting, and no real support at the city level for changing anything,” he said.

Stickney recently crafted a white paper titled “Economic Development & Growth Plan” for Salem City Council and City Manager Krishna Namburi. The proposal calls for introduction of a “Prosper Portland”-style model to spur economic development in the city that could generate $13 million to $34 million in revenue over the next five years.

The proposal also could bring in more than $100 million in private investment and up to 2,600 new jobs without new taxes or bonds, he added.

Stickney told the Statesman Journal in June that a private-public partnership between city leadership and businesses like his could turn Salem around.

“We’re at the point economically that Salem could be the next emerging market,” he said at the time.

He said city leaders showed little interest in his proposals, and he’s yet to see action on any of them.

“I’m surprised that Mr. Stickney is saying that a lack of public-private partnership is his reason for not moving forward with the project,” Community Planning and Development Department Director Kristin Retherford said. “We have had two very productive meetings with Mr. Stickney since he stepped into the lead development role this spring.”

The cannery is a very complex site, Retherford said, with river and creek frontage, potential historic and archaeological impacts, and a rail line running down Front Street. Salem is moving forward with creation of an urban renewal area to pay for infrastructure needed to support the project, and the city has obtained a federal grant to design the long-term improvements to Front Street for redevelopment in the area.

“We have been very excited about Mr. Stickney’s ideas and development experience and the opportunity to collaborate with him on the project,” Retherford said.

When talking to residents and business owners, Stickney said he hears that people want change. They want to clean up encampments, fill vacant storefronts and attract commerce. He said he doesn’t see that same desire to change among city leaders.

“If nothing changes, we may just take out money and go to Portland,” he said. “It’s been really disappointing. We had high hopes for Salem.”

Portions of the cannery were first constructed in 1914 and owned by various food processors until the Truitt Bros. Cannery began operating there in 1973. The business started by brothers Peter and David Truitt canned local pears, green beans and cherries. In peak season, the cannery would employ 800 people.

When the property went up for sale with a $13 million price tag in 2021, Peter Truitt said he had high hopes for the site. He wanted a seller who would honor its history while investing in the community and revitalizing the area north of downtown, he said.

“The lasting legacy of the Truitt family is to leave the property better than when they found it,” he said.

The city, neighbors and the Grant Neighborhood Association have been very supportive during the process, Jordan Truitt said.

“The site carries approved land use entitlements, strong interest from the development community and the continued support of city leadership and the community at large,” he said.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in The Statesman Journal and then was distributed on the USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.

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The first half of 2026 saw the completion of some major construction projects in Salem, as well as the start of several more.

Workers are continuing to build the six-story Citizen Apartments in downtown and the Kuebler Village commercial development near Costco.

Meanwhile, efforts to revive the ex-Rite Aid building, the former JCPenney department store and the empty lot dubbed “The Pit” are showing signs of progress.

Here’s an update on some key projects.

Citizen Apartments joins downtown skyline

Originally the site of Salem City Hall and then a parking lot, the property at 277 High St. N.E. is gaining a six-story, 105-unit apartment building.

Deacon Development, which delivered the Rivenwood Apartments nearby in 2024, has dubbed this $25 million project Citizen Apartments as a nod to its storied history as the heart of Salem government.

Crews broke ground this past October and are scheduled to finish in early spring 2027.

The 78,855-square-foot building will include 16 affordable housing units as part of the city’s Multiple-Unit Housing Tax Incentive Program.

Amenities will include a coffee bar, a mail room with parcel lockers, a fitness center, secure bike storage, a pet wash station, electric vehicle parking and charging, a co-working lounge with a private work pod, a community room equipped with a kitchen, games, a semi-private theater room, and a roof terrace with a grill and city views.

Company submits proposal for ‘The Pit’

A fenced hole in the ground remains after a bank building was razed in 2017, leaving what is commonly known as “The Pit” at the southeast corner of Liberty and Chemeketa streets.

Deacon Development initially also purchased this land next to the Citizen Apartments site but sold it after determining the conditions placed on it by the city would make development financially infeasible.

The property was reacquired by the previous owner, West Linn-based FT LLC, which also owns the adjoining building used by Pacific Office Automation. Company officials said they want to build a surface parking lot to serve the adjacent building, but that is not permitted under the city zoning code.

FT LLC has submitted a land use application, and it remains under city review. It’s the first official redevelopment proposal since the bank building was demolished.

Mexican grocery store to open in downtown

A long-awaited downtown grocery store is due to arrive in September, ending a yearslong vacancy in a former Rite Aid building.

El Torito Supermarket will open at 435 Liberty St. N.E.

Husband and wife Alfredo Mendez and Lily Perez opened the original El Torito Meat Market on Lancaster Drive about 20 years ago. Their stores have a meat counter, a produce section, a bakery, a hot deli, and grocery items.

The Rite Aid on Liberty Street closed in December 2023 following the company’s bankruptcy.

Salem’s Urban Renewal Agency Board voted in May to allocate $470,000 from the Riverfront Downtown Urban Renewal Agency capital improvement grant program for the supermarket.

According to city documents, the store is expected to provide 30 new jobs.

New tenants on the horizon to fill space

When the planned purchase of the former JCPenney building fell through in October 2025, it remained under the ownership of Penny Building, a company tied to developer Stuart Lindquist.

The 100,000-square-foot building has been vacant since JCPenney exited in 2020.

Lindquist confirmed in April that a furniture retailer would lease an 11,070-square-foot spot on the first floor. He said his company wants to fill the empty space with street-facing businesses that complement the area and cater to the increase in foot traffic brought by new apartment complexes in downtown.

“A single-tenant department store is being converted into a multi-tenant building in response to Salem’s demand for smaller office and retail spaces,” developers stated in their land use application submitted to the city.

A site plan approved by the city in May calls for a 5,000-square-foot jiujitsu gym on the first floor, along with separate retail spaces in the basement and the first and second floors.

Cannery transformation gains traction

A new developer is stepping up to helm the $150 million transformation of the former home of Truitt Bros. Cannery north of downtown Salem after the project stalled under previous leadership.

Nearly 800 apartments, a grocery store, an automatic parking garage, a wine bar and restaurants are planned at the site.

The deal is currently under contract and expected to close this summer. Demolition would begin shortly thereafter.

Aaron Stickney, co-founder and managing member of SilverSphere Capital, said in March that funding for the sale and construction has already been secured.

436 housing units on the rise near school

A big multifamily development is under construction at Doaks Ferry Road and Orchard Heights Road near West Salem High School.

The project is set to bring 426 apartment units and 10 townhomes to the previously undeveloped site.

There will be a mix of 31 three-story buildings and three townhome buildings along with a clubhouse, a recreation area and parking.

Shopping center under construction

Kuebler Village is now being built at the southeast corner of 27th Avenue and Kuebler Boulevard near Costco.

According to city documents, the project is connected to Mosaic Management, which also owns several senior living facilities in Oregon.

A listing for the 24.64-acre parcel says Kuebler Village will be a “vibrant and dynamic, mixed-use community with I-5 visibility.”

The listing details several components, including drive-thrus, a hotel, a “destination shopping center,” multifamily housing and the Mosaic corporate headquarters.

The city approved a site plan review for a planned U.S. Market convenience store and eight gas pumps along 27th Avenue near the roundabout in 2025. Plans for a Black Rock Coffee Bar drive-thru were approved this past December.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in The Statesman Journal and then was distributed on the USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.

The post Key commercial projects advancing in Salem appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

Workers are now renovating the observation deck of the Oregon State Capitol, which offers arguably the best panoramic view in Salem.

A four-man crew from Pioneer Waterproofing Company began removing the terra cotta tile from the circular platform around the pedestal of the Oregon Pioneer on Monday.

Demolition is expected to take about two weeks, and the goal is to finish the project by the end of August, according to general contractor Hoffman Construction.

The flashing along the deck’s inside wall also will be removed. The flashing and the tile will be replaced with similar materials — terra cotta for the floor and stainless steel for the wall — preserving the familiar look when public tower tours eventually resume.

For generations, visitors of all ages have climbed the steep, 121-step spiral staircase to reach the observation deck. But the view from the deck has been essentially limited to construction workers since spring 2022.

Access is limited to guided tours, which pass through unmarked doors and a hidden corridor above the rotunda to reach the summit about 122 feet above the ground — the equivalent of more than 10 stories.

The destination provides an up-close look at the 23-foot-tall, 24-karat gold-leaf covered pioneer statute, aka the Gold Man, one of Oregon’s most recognized and beloved icons.

Just as much of a draw is the breathtaking 360-degree view of Salem and beyond. On clear days, visitors can see for miles, even simultaneously spotting Mount Jefferson, Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams.

Work on the 48-foot-diameter observation deck is overdue. The flooring is more than 30 years old; it was previously replaced in the early 1990s.

The demo crew made quick work of the tile on Day 1 but still had multiple layers of concrete and waterproofing material to get through using a roto hammer.

After demolition, a crane will lower bagged debris from the deck and lift new materials in place, and a new waterproofing membrane will be installed before the tile. The crane is scheduled to be on-site July 28; State Street will be closed that night.

Officials monitored the forecast closely, waiting for a rain-free window to waterproof the area and protect the restored rotunda murals below.

The rotunda underwent structural reinforcement, surface restoration and artistic preservation during the $596 million Capitol Accessibility, Maintenance and Safety (CAMS) project.

The observation deck work is part of the CAMS project and includes new drains and new LED lighting, which already has been installed. The stairwell will be repainted after deck work is complete.

The current four-year pause in public tower tours ranks among the longest in recent Capitol history.

In 1988, tours were suspended over concerns about toxic asbestos insulation and the structural integrity of the upper dome. Before that work was finished, the 5.6-magnitude “Spring Break Quake” in Scotts Mills shook the Capitol in 1993.

The rotunda sustained severe cracking and bulged outward by about three feet. Cracks in the mortar around the Gold Man’s marble base allowed the 17,000-pound statue to shift a fraction of an inch.

By late 1994, crews had completed work to strengthen the rotunda walls and the upper dome below the statue. The Gold Man also was seismically retrofitted.

Tours of the tower resumed in July 1995, after a nearly seven-year absence.

The Capitol’s recent multiyear construction project included additional reinforcements to the rotunda and the connections securing the statue, causing the current pause in tours.

The last school tours of the tower took place in spring 2022 before the Capitol closed for CAMS. Before that, the Capitol was closed for 16 months during the pandemic.

It is unknown when the tours will resume, or if at all this year. The tour season typically wraps up at the end of September. Capitol officials recommend checking the event calendar prior to visiting at Oregoncapitol.com, where tower tours will be listed.

When they resume, reservations will not be required; however, space will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no ADA access, and tours will be canceled if it is raining or temperatures exceed 85 degrees.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in The Statesman Journal and then was distributed on the USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.

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The developer behind one of the biggest revitalization projects planned for Salem in recent years is proposing a Prosper Portland-style model to spur economic development in the city and bring in $13 million to $34 million in revenue over the next five years.

Aaron Stickney, a co-founder and managing member of SilverSphere Capital, said his proposed plan could also bring in more than $100 million in private investment and up to 2,600 new jobs.

It could “really turn Salem around,” he said. “We’re at the point economically that Salem could be the next emerging market.”

His company is banking on it. SilverSphere Capital stepped up in early 2026 to helm the $150 million transformation of the former home of Truitt Bros. Cannery north of downtown Salem after the revitalization stalled under a previous developer. A total of almost 800 apartments, a grocery store, an automatic parking garage, a wine bar and restaurants are planned at the site.

Stickney recently crafted a white paper titled “Economic Development & Growth Plan” for Salem City Council and City Manager Krishna Namburi. In the in-depth analysis that detailed Salem’s economic challenges and provided solutions, he proposed that to address the structural challenge of service costs outpacing revenues faced by many midsize Oregon cities, Salem should draw from a Prosper Portland model to generate revenue instead of relying on increased taxes or service cuts.

The plan also proposes:

• creating tax increment financing (TIF) districts in places like downtown and the Willamette waterfront to use rising property tax values to fund redevelopment;
• monetizing city-owned assets by raising parking rates, shifting from selling land to executing long-term leases;
• using private capital to build a riverfront hotel and mixed-use buildings over parking lots;
• creating a revolving loan fund for small businesses; and
• creating a Salem Science & Innovation Anchor District, similar to Portland’s master-planned OMSI District, to link the A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village, Willamette University, Salem Health and Chemeketa Community College.

Stickney said his proposal has been well received by city leaders, who previously voiced struggles with a looming structural deficit.

It provides a viable solution to the city’s revenue challenges and will free up more resources to address top issues like homelessness and public safety, he said.

“The conclusion is straightforward: Salem can generate an estimated $6 million to $12 million in new annual revenue by 2030 from assets it already controls,” he said. “No bond measure. No new taxes. No condemnations. The barriers are policy decisions, not capital constraints.”

Stickney urged residents to look at his plan, encourage city leaders to take action and hold them accountable.

“There’s an actual path forward to generate more revenue and make the city better,” he said.

Through a spokesman, Namburi, Mayor Julie Hoy and Mayor-elect Vanessa Nordyke confirmed city leaders are in close and productive conversations with Stickney about the proposal.

“We are excited about several new ideas being proposed, which present intriguing opportunities for exploration,” city leaders said. “The city of Salem encourages and seeks out conversations with our community, engaging residents and business owners to better understand how we can serve them effectively and explore new ideas, proposals and diverse perspectives.”

City spokesman Rob Layne said leaders and council are examining the city’s economic development programming through multiple initiatives, including the recently announced Downtown Vision Framework. Leaders said some of the items outlined in the report, like Block 50 and Block 45, are already in progress or under development.

“There are also some properties in the report that fall outside the city’s ownership or jurisdiction, such as the suggestions for Capital Mall lots,” Layne said. “We look forward to continuing our dialogue with the author and their team to further define and develop these concepts, including the Cannery project.”

Prosper Portland is the Rose City’s decades-old economic and urban development agency designed to create jobs and support small businesses. Salem can learn from Prosper Portland’s success and missteps, according to Stickney.

“The most impactful structural change Salem can make is creating a dedicated, semi-independent economic development agency — a ‘Prosper Salem’ — with its own board, budget authority, and mandate to generate revenue through strategic investments,” Stickney stated in the report.

The proposed Salem Economic Development Agency would include five to seven members appointed by the mayor and city council. Its executive director would operate independently to make investment decisions, enter contracts and manage a real estate portfolio on behalf of the city.

Initial funding would include $2 million to $3 million from the General Fund as well as federal Community Development Block Grant funds, Business Oregon partnerships and Enterprise Zone administrative fees, Stickney proposed.

To avoid equity pitfalls historically experienced by Prosper Portland, the agency should require an equity impact analysis for investments over $250,000, set targets for underrepresented, minority and women-owned business support, mandate community engagement, and publish annual scorecards on job creation, wages and displacement risk, Stickney stated.

Creating TIF districts would allow the city to fund development without drawing on the General Fund, Stickney noted. The districts have the potential to bring in tens of millions of dollars over the next two decades, he added.

Salem can use Prosper Portland’s framework to designate districts in which property tax growth above a frozen baseline is redirected into a dedicated fund for reinvestment within that district, Stickney stated.

First would be a Downtown Core district for revitalization of commercial blocks between Liberty and High streets. Districts at the Willamette Riverfront, south Salem Commercial Street corridor and West Salem could follow in the next three to four years.

The agency’s first-year priority would be an audit of city-owned properties to see which could be used for revenue generation as development catalysts or be held for future growth.

This could eventually yield up to $22 million a year in unrealized revenue, Stickney stated.

His ideas include increasing parking fees to match market rates, adding paid programming, concessions and sponsorships at Riverfront Park, and developing mixed-use public-private partnerships above surface parking lots in downtown.

“Riverfront Park is Salem’s most underleveraged asset,” Stickney said. “The 26-acre riverfront park with amphitheater, carousel, dock, and Gilbert’s Discovery Village generates almost no earned revenue.”

But with paid events, concessions and sponsorship, the park could bring in $500,000 to $1.5 million per year.

Stickney also proposed adding a small business hub and a revolving loan fund to target underserved businesses. Over time, the group could lend up to $5 million annually.

The hub would be a central point for Salem entrepreneurs and help them with business licensing, permits and access to loans. It should also include multilingual services for Salem’s large Spanish-speaking business community, he stated.

Salem has several brownfields — former industrial and commercial sites — that are contaminated or underutilized. Spots include former industrial parcels along the Willamette River, old gas stations and dry-cleaning spaces on Commercial Street, and industrial sites in West Salem.

Stickney suggested the agency leverage state and federal programs to turn these sites into productive commercial, industrial and mixed-use developments.

He also honed in on the importance of actively reaching out to recruit businesses and anchor tenants into Salem. He looked to the success Detroit, Michigan, had in turning around economic blight. The city drew Rocket Mortgage into its downtown in 2010 and added 8,000 new jobs by making itself attractive to businesses, he said.

Salem should work on recruiting government contractors, agricultural and food processors, healthcare, life sciences, clean energy and construction, Stickney said.

“You can’t wait for anchor tenants to come to you; you have to go out and reach out to them,” he said. “Bring in one or two, and that’s a game changer.”

He also emphasized the importance of private-public partnerships in bringing development into Salem. This would involve the city retaining ownership of land while leasing long term to private businesses. In execution, this could look like a hotel built along the Willamette River with a public promenade.

If the public and private sectors don’t work together, “nothing’s going to change,” Stickney said.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in The Statesman Journal and then was distributed on the USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.

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The State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation (SAIF) named Ian Williams as its interim president following the sudden resignation of former CEO Chip Terhune amid a sexual harassment investigation.

The Oregon Journalism Project first reported on Terhune’s quiet departure in April after an anonymous complaint was issued. It accused Terhune of sexual harassment and called him a “liar.”

SAIF is Oregon’s longtime not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurance company. Based in Salem, it has 1,185 employees. It is a public corporation and is subject to state public records law.

Terhune was named the company’s CEO in 2021. His annual base salary was $592,307, and he earned an incentive in 2024, which was paid in 2025, for $251,431.

During Terhune’s time as CEO, an unknown suspect fired several rounds into his Lake Oswego home and fled the area on foot. Police believe Terhune was targeted, according to a report.

Terhune, according to his SAIF biography page, previously served as senior vice president and general manager of government programs and accounts for healthcare tech company Medecision.

He was also chief of staff for former Gov. Ted Kulongoski, an assistant executive director of the Oregon Education Association, a director of environmental and public affairs at Schnitzer Steel in Portland and vice president at Cambia Health Solutions in Portland.

In late 2025, an anonymous reporter filed a complaint. The Statesman Journal received a copy of the redacted complaint through a public records request.

“I am worried about the safety and well-being of other employees,” the complaint said. “There have been happy hours scheduled on (redacted)’s calendar that include just her and Chip, and I know other female employees have been invited out after working hours to meet with him alone as well. He is often seen hugging female employees, along with emailing, texting and calling them after hours.”

SAIF officials said they could not comment on the specifics of individual complaints.

“SAIF takes all complaints seriously and has a process for employees to report concerns confidentially,” company spokeswoman Lauren Casler said. “We are committed to a workplace where all employees feel safe.”

Oregon Journalism Project reported that after receiving the complaint, SAIF immediately started an ethics complaint investigation. Before a scheduled closed-door meeting about potential discipline, Terhune resigned on March 25, according to the article.

Williams, SAIF’s chief operating officer, was named interim CEO and president.

SAIF’s board of directors is conducting a nationwide search for a permanent president and CEO, Casler said.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in The Statesman Journal and then was distributed on the USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.

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Flash back to 1926, when Salem had a population of 25,000, and the city was abuzz with excitement about a palatial new Tudor Gothic playhouse built by attorney and art connoisseur George B. Guthrie.

The Elsinore Theater was named after the castle in William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and heralded as the “largest and most lavish theater between Portland and San Francisco” when it debuted on May 28, 1926.

The opening was such a big deal that The Oregon Statesman dedicated an eight-page section to preview coverage.

Headlines described the venue as having “dazzling light effects” and “splendor of architecture.”

An article later described an enchanting scene in the moments leading up to the opening: “Even before the dinner hour was over, a crowd gathered from every block in the city (and) began to stream toward the Elsinore — as if the town had only one door and that the magic, wide portal of the magnificent new theatre.”

Gov. Walter M. Pierce proclaimed the Elsinore a gift to Oregon during the dedication. The 1,435 seats were filled for two showings that evening of “The Volga Boatman” — an 11-reel silent moving picture by Cecil B. DeMille.

It was a night few would forget, according to Capital Journal reporter D.H. Upjohn.

“At that moment a bit of Salem’s history was written that will be remembered as long as the theater stands,” Upjohn wrote. “And when the grandsons and granddaughters of those who are now but infants in the cradle, have graying hair, the Elsinore will still stand, immutable, imperishable, a thing of beauty and joy forever.”

A century later, the theater still stands. A $1.5 million restoration of the façade was completed last fall; it was the first phase of a capital campaign launched ahead of the theater’s centennial.

The venue gained long-missing historic features, including a 23-foot-tall lighted blade sign, marquees and roofline ornamentation. The blade sign had been absent since the 1962 Columbus Day storm, leaving the front of the theater dark for more than six decades.

“Not a day goes by where somebody doesn’t say something to me about it,” Executive Director Tom Fohn said.

Another round of fundraising for an estimated $1.8 million second phase is beginning in conjunction with the anniversary. This phase will focus on auditorium improvements, including new seats and better sound equipment.

The Elsinore has evolved and survived over the decades. A sound system wasn’t even necessary in the beginning. Then, at one point, the theater was nearly demolished.

In the early days, the Elsinore was a silent film house and vaudeville venue. Fox and Warner Brothers leased the venue in the 1930s and ’40s, operating it as a movie theater. It fell into disrepair over the next three decades as a second-run movie house and was set to be demolished in 1980.

A group of preservationists stepped in, formed a nonprofit, and raised money to bring the building up to code. The group bought the theater in 1992, and established it as a performing arts venue.

Two years later, the Elsinore was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2004, the theater underwent its “Return to Grandeur” restoration, ushering in a period of significant growth.

It expanded from hosting about a dozen shows a year to more than 10 times that many. Today, it competes for live music and events with Portland venues like the Crystal Ballroom and the Roseland Theater.

Maintaining a 100-year-old building is an expensive endeavor for a nonprofit organization. Costly repairs must be prioritized and community support maximized.

Fohn and his full-time staff of 11 are guided by a board of directors, all serving as stewards of the treasured venue. With help from generous supporters, they are investing in the next 100 years.

Thile this isn’t a “Save the Elsinore” moment, Fohn said, the historic theater is due for sound system improvements and new seats.

“Salem deserves a swanky place, and we’re getting the shows for it,” he said, mentioning appearances by Nick Offerman, Rene Vaca and the Wailin’ Jennys this year.

Yet to come are Bonnie Raitt (sold out) and Christopher Cross (200 tickets left) in June and “A Christmas Story” with Peter Billingsley (not on sale yet) in December.

The theater’s 30-year-old production and sound system doesn’t meet the needs of most shows. It’s rare that Fohn’s team doesn’t have to rent additional equipment, he said.

About 220 balcony seats at the Elsinore are original, which means they are 100 years old. The remaining 1,030 or so were installed in the late 1960s or early ’70s, and they were used seats then. They were purchased from a movie theater, and parts are no longer available.

“They’re not the luxurious seats that the theater deserves,” Fohn said.

The team hopes to install new seats next summer. That project would include additions of new carpet and some new lighting for the mezzanine and balcony.

To help pay for the project, Fohn said the Elsinore group plans to sell the old seats as well as naming rights for the new ones. In return for a donation amount yet to be determined, a plaque honoring an individual, business or organization would be installed on a new seat for its lifetime.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in The Statesman Journal and then was distributed on the USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.

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Century-old Oak Knoll Golf Course, 6 miles west of Salem, has closed after being purchased by Wandering In Time Holdings LLC.

The future of the 58-acre property, zoned for public amusement and recreation, is unclear. Officials with Wandering In Time Holdings did not respond to inquiries about the site.

In addition to an 18-hole golf course, the property at 6335 Highway 22 features a driving range and a 5,000-square-foot building with a restaurant, bar and commercial kitchen. The $6.2 million acquisition also included 71 adjacent acres zoned for exclusive farm use.

Wandering In Time Holdings has a mailing address in Burley, Washington listed in Polk County property records, and a Portland mailing address listed in articles of incorporation filed with the Oregon Secretary of State’s office.

The company’s Theresa Nietupski is one of the founders of Wandering In Time Productions, which stages immersive historical fantasy events in the Pacific Northwest, including the annual Oregon Renaissance Faire in Canby.

The entrance to Oak Knoll was partially blocked April 15 — exactly two weeks after the sale was finalized — with a steel barricade and a “CLOSED” sign.

Another sign confirmed the demise of the property as generations have known it: “This property has been sold. Oak Knoll will no longer be a golf course. This property is private property. Please vacate! No trespassing!”

The closure leaves two remaining destinations for golfers in Polk County: Cross Creek Golf Course and Dallas Golf Club.

Oak Knoll opened in 1926 on the north side of Oregon Route 22. The first nine holes were laid out on agricultural land with a granary. E.A. Jones developed the course with fairways running north to south, so golfers would never have to play directly in the sun.

The driving range was added in 1989, and the second nine holes, with water features, were completed the following year, according to Statesman Journal archives.

The course had a reputation for being an affordable place to play golf and a good one for beginners. It is flat with wide fairways and small greens.

Over the years, Oak Knoll has had multiple owners, including Karla Hicks since 2018. She and her husband, Scott, purchased it from a bank holding company. Val Barnes had previously been involved in ownership for more than three decades.

“We bought it as an investment property,” Karla Hicks said.

As they launch new business ventures and plan to spend time in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where they previously lived, they are thankful for the connections made at Oak Knoll, beyond golf.

Oak Knoll has been a cross-country venue for high school and college meets, for example, and the new property owners told Karla Hicks they plan to continue those relationships.

Hicks said the golf course relied on volunteers, including retirees who ran the pro shop. The only paid staff were bartenders.

“It was such a great group because they loved being out here,” she said of the volunteers. “It made them feel youthful, and they became family.”

Hicks said she refunded dues to 47 members after the sale was finalized.

“It was tough telling them,” she said. “Many of them have been with us since Day 1.”

The Oak Knoll property was intermittently on the market for nearly two years. It was advertised as a golfer’s paradise and a unique investment opportunity.

A YouTube video posted a year ago by Keller Williams Realty showcased the course’s beauty with dramatic aerial footage, including fairways lined with 60-foot-tall sequoia trees.

A LoopNet listing can still be found in an online search, promoting the versatility of the property: “Whether you’re considering an RV park, amusement park, stadium, fairground, music venue, or winery/brewery, this site offers a versatile foundation for a range of projects. The property comes with valuable senior water rights and features a currently operational Golf Course business, or you have the option to start fresh. This unique property is ready for its next visionary project.”

Hicks said three parties showed simultaneous interest at one point during the process. An undisclosed Realtor managed the sale, not Keller Williams.

“I love this property; it has a part of my heart,” Hicks said. “I’m happy with who’s getting the property.”

Wandering In Time Productions has over 30 years of experience staging Renaissance fairs, music festivals, corporate events, and more, according to its website. It is best known locally for presenting the Oregon Renaissance Faire, which is set in a fictional Scottish village and features jousting, artisan vendors, comedy, and music.

“Our mission is to bring history, fantasy, and community together through immersive events that captivate the senses and ignite the spirit of adventure,” the website states.

Since 2016, the Oregon Renaissance Faire has taken place at the Clackamas County Fair and Event Center in Canby, starting with one weekend in the summer and eventually expanding to every weekend in June.

The 2025 event sold out six of eight days and drew more than 70,000 attendees over the four weekends, according to a report in the Herald Pioneer, Canby’s weekly newspaper.

The opening weekend of the 2026 Oregon Renaissance Faire is scheduled for June 6-7 at the Clackamas County fairgrounds.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in The Statesman Journal and then was distributed on the USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.

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Construction crews will begin revitalizing a parking garage in downtown Salem on April 6.

The $6.2 million project to improve the Marion Parkade, at 538 Liberty St. N.E., is expected to finish in November.

“These updates aim to create a more welcoming and safer environment for everyone who uses the facility,” city officials stated. “The project will reduce facility maintenance costs, enhance the structure’s openness and encourage increased use, especially during evening hours.”

Luke Gmazel, Salem‘s project manager for the Marion Parkade improvement project, said the construction will be sequenced to maintain partial access and use.

This project is funded by Riverfront-Downtown urban renewal funds.

The parking garage is one of three that opened in the 1980s to spur downtown development. Combined, the Marion, Chemeketa and Liberty parkades have 868 free parking spaces for visitors and customers. The Marion Parkade is near Kohl’s, Salem Center mall, several churches and Salem Police headquarters.

The project will support growth in downtown Salem, according to the city, by improving infrastructure that serves residents, visitors and businesses while prioritizing safety and accessibility.

As part of the project, the stairs will be replaced, and the surrounding walls will be removed to allow users to see who is entering and exiting the building. New overhead roof structures will provide weather protection and highlight the entrances. Lighting will be upgraded to encourage nighttime use, and new signage and architectural features will be added to improve the building’s aesthetics.

Walls on the ground floor that block visibility will be replaced with perforated metal panels.

Construction will be completed in phases, with focus on one corner at a time to allow parts of the parking structure to remain open for public use.

Permit parking and ADA accessible parking will still be available, but locations may be adjusted during construction. Drivers are asked to look for signage indicating the location of designated permit parking spaces.

Visitor parking and sky-bridge access to Salem Center will remain open throughout construction.

Limited night work is expected during the project to accommodate lane closures required by the city. The scheduled closures will be between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. and occur on High Street (May 26 through June 1) and Liberty Street (Sept. 14-18).

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in the Statesman Journal and then was distributed on the USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.

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A Salem warehouse operated by Amazon has been sold for $105.5 million.

The Mill Creek Logistics Center encompasses 1,018,020 square feet on 61.75 acres east of Interstate 5.

Jones Lang LaSalle represented the seller, a joint venture partnership of developer Capstone Partners and San Francisco-based finance partner PCCP (formerly known as Pacific Coast Capital Partners). Information on the buyer was not immediately available; the owner is still listed in Marion County records as a Capstone Partners entity.

“The one nice thing about being in Salem is you can serve the south end of the Greater Portland area, and you can go south very easily,” said Buzz Ellis, managing director of Jones Lang LaSalle in Portland. “That’s why I think we’ll continue to see logistics centers built in Salem.”

Other developers – most notably Specht Development – are also investing in Oregon’s I-5 corridor. Specht has 60 acres of industrial land in Woodburn that could accommodate up to 2 million square feet of warehouse space, according to the company.

Amazon agreed to a 12-year lease at the Mill Creek Logistics Center. The facility at 4775 Depot Court S.E. was designed by Mackenzie and built by general contractor Perlo Construction.

Capstone Partners may not be done building at the property. The Portland-based developer has remaining parcels large enough for one facility of about 1 million square feet and another of about 570,000 square feet, said Chris Nelson, co-founder of Capstone Partners.

“We’re real bullish on the potential for new projects on that site,” he said.

Capstone was the original master developer of the property, which had been owned by the state of Oregon. Plans to develop the site were delayed by the Great Recession.

“We had a very long-term view,” Nelson said. “We started to circle around the site again, and then this user (Amazon) came along and it made it a little easier go.”

Nelson said he expects future logistics properties will be marketed as build to suit instead of built on speculation because users are demanding a high level of individual customization.

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