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DRB Ferry Terminal Comments Design Review Board Comments Courtesy Review Project Address: 10 Blaney Street New Multi-Functional Ferry Terminal Building at Salem Wharf Meeting Date: December 17, 2025 Members Present: Paul Durand, Chair, Catherine Miller, Marc Perras, Sarah Tarbet Members Absent: Leeann Leftwich, Kate Martin, Elizabeth Murray At a regular meeting of the Design Review Board (DRB), upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously voted for the ferry terminal building project team to proceed taking the DRB’s comments under advisement. The DRB’s review was a second courtesy review for the City of Salem project at 10 Blaney Street for a new multi-functional ferry terminal building at Salem Wharf. The new ferry terminal building will replace the existing temporary structure and provide a permanent, resilient, and modern gateway for maritime passengers and seaport operations. Key program elements of the new facility include: • Passenger services and operations including ticketing, waiting areas, visitor information, public restrooms, and concessions support. • Expanded operational capacity for current and future tourism. • Leasable office space with preference for maritime-related entities. • Training and event areas to support industry and community needs. • Facility Security Officer office and IT space/infrastructure supportive of port security. The DRB appreciated the design progress, updated landscaping plans, and comment consideration from their first courtesy review in October 2025. The DRB shared the following comments and questions during this courtesy review: Proposed Slate The Board really likes the proposed slate for the exterior building material. Entrance Metal Panel The design currently proposes metal paneling at the land side entrance of the building. The Board suggested replacing the metal panel with the same material selected for the base of the building. Mullions The Board likes the proposed black mullions shown in the watercolor-looking renderings, and how they contribute to separating the building from looking residential and being more civic. Landscaping Walls • The Board was interested in the landscape wall material and suggested two possible directions which include the following: o The landscape wall materials could match the building with a solid slate sculpting kind of product. o The landscape walls could be a different tone than the building to make the building look like it’s sitting on top of a plinth and everything from the floor line down is a different kind of tone. • The Board would like the landscape walls to consist of local looking stones. • The Board also noted that the proposed gabions probably need to be stainless steel for durability purposes. Reveal Color (Roof line) The Board likes the use of color as a roof disengagement detail but cautioned the project team on using orange. The board suggested a nice warm color. Roof Railing on Front Facade The Board suggested that the project team remove the upper roof railing proposed on the land side of the building above the round window. Removing the railing will allow that area to be utilitarian. Wood Landscaping Elements • The Board likes the wood as an indicator of a place to sit as opposed to walking surfaces. The current landscape design proposes the stair landings as wood. The Board suggested prioritizing wood for the benches, followed by the deck, and the lowest priority on wood landings. • The Board noted that the wood seating helps bring a welcoming presence, especially beside the land side large staircase adjacent to the ramp. Landscaping Stairs & Ramps • The Board appreciated the compactness of the landscaping, especially while recognizing the site is compact. Along with the compactness, the Board appreciated the various connections coming off of the building. • The Board recognized that the various stairs and ramps make the building approachable from many directions. • The project team noted that the current guardrails proposed are continuing to be studied and determined, along with the approach that the railings are meant to match the metal work of the building. Lower Front Window The Board suggested that the project team continue to look at the lower window proposed on the land side facade. The proposed window is located to the right of the entrance and will be used for those waiting for rideshare services or passenger pickup. The Board recognized that the current window fits with the other facade windows but noted that it seems small for people looking out while they are waiting. Shade The Board reiterated the question of shade on the site for users outside of the building. Tree suggestions were mentioned as possibly being placed somewhere within the mound of rocks under the round window on the land side. Alternatively, if trees cannot be used, the Board suggested the project team explore the integration of shade sails somehow. Shadow Line The Board suggested the addition of a shadow line around the building along the change between the materials of the proposed slate and the foundation material. The shadow line could be a six-inch reveal to enhance the look of the slate.