Salem, OR — After years of planning, the long-awaited seismic retrofit of the Salem Civic Center is officially underway. Beginning next week, city employees will start moving out of the downtown landmark to temporary office spaces located on Broadway and Church streets.
The move marks the start of a major overhaul of the 50-year-old brutalist structure, which has long served as the hub of city operations. The retrofit project is designed to bring the building up to modern seismic safety standards while preserving its architectural character.
“We’re committed to ensuring the safety of both our staff and the public,” said a city spokesperson. “This project is essential to protect a critical piece of our infrastructure in the event of a major earthquake.”
City officials have coordinated the relocation effort to minimize disruptions to public services. While physical locations will change, all departments are expected to remain fully operational throughout the construction period. Updated addresses and contact information are being posted on the city’s website, and signage will be added to assist visitors.
The seismic retrofit is expected to take several months and represents one of the most significant investments in the Civic Center since its construction in the early 1970s. In addition to structural improvements, the project will also address accessibility and energy efficiency upgrades.
City leaders have emphasized that the temporary relocation is a short-term inconvenience that will yield long-term benefits for both staff and residents.
