Salem To Revitalize Historic Bandstand for 400th Anniversary Celebration

The Salem Historical Commission voted on Wednesday, Feb. 18, to continue discussions on the second phase of renovating the Salem Common Bandstand, which will include an updated ADA accessibility ramp and restoration work.

The renovation is estimated at approximately $1 million and will unfold in two phases, addressing structural repairs, electrical wiring, and lighting updates, and ADA accessibility compliance. This work to preserve the nearly 100-year-old Salem bandstand is being planned ahead of the city's quadricentennial celebration this year.

According to a Salem News report, phase one, which was completed in 2020, focused on the replacement of the bulkhead over the basement stairs, in addition to the installation of steel railings, a concrete apron, slabs, and a stone dust path.

The second phase of restoration, led by Structures North Consulting Engineers and Spencer Preservation Group, is expected to include repointing, masonry, and electrical work. Costs for this phase are estimated between $545,535 and $747,845. The new ramp design will cost an additional $285,000, although a specific full cost estimate for the ADA accessibility ramp has not been completed.

According to The Salem News, while Historic Salem Inc. supports the electrical, lighting, and general repair work, officials with the organization initially disagreed with including a switchback-style ADA accessibility ramp. They said this ramp style would “degrade the architectural significance and visual composition” of the structure. A letter from the organization's president, Richard Lindeman, expressed approval for a circular ramp surrounding the bandstand. Lindeman said this design would better preserve the structure's architectural integrity.

John Wathne, president of Structures North Consulting Engineers, disagreed with the idea of a wraparound ramp, arguing that it would provide greater symmetry and preserve architectural integrity. He further explained that a ramp that does not fully encircle the structure better preserves the bandstand's original design.

Meanwhile, Historical Commission member Milo Martinez recommended that the ramp's entrance to the bandstand be repositioned slightly farther to the left from the stairs.