You’ve probably already noticed the construction work on the old Liberty Plaza building. A group of local investors is looking to rescue it from obscurity, transforming it into a business and community center.
A Canadian company owned Liberty Plaza, but without their personal investment in the Salem community, it fell into disrepair. Anthem Strategists (formerly Doty Pruett Wilson CPA), Clutch Industries, and other local investors purchased the building in early 2024 with big dreams for the space. “We acquired the property with the intention of revitalizing it and developing it into The Forge, a vibrant community and business center, deeply connected to Salem’s future,” said Chris Blackburn, co-owner of Clutch Industries.
With the change in ownership and purpose of the building, it was given a new name: The Forge. Tyson Pruett, co-founder of Anthem Strategists, explained that the new name helps shift people’s perspective from an old, empty building to one that’s “vibrant and energetic, but with substance and staying power.”
As one of the lead investors, Anthem Strategists will occupy the top floor. This revitalization initiative continues its history of investment in the downtown area. “We invested in the Roth McGilchrist buildings and really breathed new life into them,” Pruett said. “We’ve grown, and it was time to find a new location to invest and create a new space for our expanding and evolving business.”
Anthem Strategists recently underwent an evolution from a CPA firm to full-service wealth management. This expansion of service allows them to better understand their clients needs and provide more timely and effective solutions. Each floor features its own characteristic feel and purpose.
A sport-bar themed family-friendly space welcomes visitors on the ground floor. The Cozy Taberna, currently operating out of the alleyway behind the building, will expand into a 4,000 square feet restaurant space, featuring their Spanish-inspired wine list and tapas menu.
The second floor, The Collective, will feature a wide variety of mostly women-centric businesses. Plans remain in the works for a fitness studio, beauty salon, massage services, a champagne bar and shared work spaces.
This floor features 25 different business suites, offering numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs to realize their dreams. “It’s a place where entrepreneurs can plant their flag, forge connections, and grow alongside the community,” Blackburn stated.
The heart of the building, below street level, offers a more exclusive gathering space. The Cozy Tavern will house an elegant wine bar highlighting the best of local wineries. This floor will also feature The Vault: “a private whiskey library and a specialty cigar shop offering high-end cigars,” Blackburn explained.
Blackburn explained that stakeholders, like himself, worked hard to ensure The Forge offered a space for everyone, selecting the right businesses to realize their vision. “This project is part of a larger effort to bring local businesses and property owners together to create a vibrant and thriving downtown,” Blackburn concluded. The Forge reflects Salem’s continued growth and prosperity by developing downtown, the heart of the city.
Blackburn concluded: “If The Forge can inspire other developments, help small businesses grow, and become an important part of our city, that’s what success means to me.”
