Salem’s Civic Center, a fixture in Oregon’s capital since the early 1970s, is about to undergo a long-anticipated transformation. Designed in the New Brutalist style and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2022, the building is both an architectural time capsule and a critical public facility. But time—and geology—waits for no one. In a region where seismic activity is a constant concern, city leaders are moving forward with a plan to make the building more resilient.
In late 2022, voters approved a $39.5 million bond aimed at retrofitting the Civic Center for earthquakes. While that number might seem steep, the cost of doing nothing—or starting over from scratch—would be far greater. Officials say the retrofit will not only strengthen the structure but help preserve its historic integrity.
Inside the Civic Center are the everyday engines of city life: council chambers, administrative offices, and the municipal court, among others. For years, this building has served as a home for local decision-making. Yet of all the buildings constructed in 1972 by the City, it remains the only one that hasn’t yet received seismic updates.
Choosing to retrofit rather than rebuild reflects a mix of practical and philosophical concerns. It’s cheaper, yes—but also more sustainable. Reuse of materials means less waste. The environmental footprint shrinks. And the Civic Center’s unique design? It stays part of Salem’s skyline.
In addition to seismic upgrades, the project includes a new roof and windows—modern touches that are expected to improve energy efficiency and reduce long-term costs. The plan, while ambitious, is methodical. City departments will temporarily relocate to offices on SAIF Parkway and Broadway Street in summer 2025. It’s an inconvenience, but a necessary one.
The work is expected to take between 18 and 24 months. If all goes smoothly, city staff will return sometime in late 2026 or early 2027.
The city selected Howard S. Wright, a firm known for its experience with retrofits—including work on the Salem Public Library—to manage the construction. Alongside them are Hacker Architects and CB Two Architects, who are collaborating under a Progressive Design Build contract. This format encourages close communication between contractors and architects from the start, which should keep the project moving efficiently and within budget.
Taken together, this effort signals a commitment—not just to bricks and mortar, but to public safety, environmental stewardship, and local heritage. In retrofitting the Civic Center, Salem is choosing not to erase the past, but to protect it—while preparing for whatever comes next.
