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October 2025 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: October 22, 2025 Members Present: Paul Durand, Chair, Leeann Leftwich, Catherine Miller, Elizabeth Murray, Marc Perras, Sarah Tarbet Members Absent: Kate Martin The DRB conducted a 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 shared the following comments and questions during their courtesy review: Building Massing - The massing of the building is setting up a difficult material challenge, since it looks like two masses from the front and one mass from the back. - Can the roofs be adjusted to align, or can a parapet be created around that mechanical system, so the roofs align? Perhaps, detaching it on the back would make it feel more like two different buildings. - Related to the building’s massing challenges and that it feels as if there’s two pieces to the building, does the building need to be all one color? Round Window - The round window should not include a mullion pattern. Windows - As per the Stretch Code, the large window on the waterside of the building will need to be triple paned. - The Board was happy to hear that the large window on the water side of the building faces more southeasterly than southwesterly. Southeasterly facing is a benefit when considering exposure, heat gain, sustainability, and resilience. - Can the windows on the city side of the building be larger? Exterior Materiality - Many members of the board preferred the proposed gray on gray with the slate tiles in comparison to the terracotta tiles. - One board member liked the white shown in the massing models as a better finish direction than what was proposed. - Unexposed stainless-steel clips for the support system behind the chosen material will account for the building’s proximity to the water. - One board member liked the terracotta tiles with the zinc roof as it would provide a nod to the traditional with a modern twist. - The DRB and project design team recognized that the proposed gray on gray, from a functional standpoint, would blend into the sky and sea on an overcast day. - Fiber cement could work well for the exterior material, but it would need to be done well and thoughtfully. - One board member suggested the exploration of adding wood to the palate as it would provide a very maritime feel, even though it is less resilient than slate. Silvered wood between the windows or below the windows may be something to look into. Roof Materiality - A standing seam roof with solar panels would be great. - Standing seam roofs work well for solar panels, and there are clips available that keep the panels at a low profile. - Members of the board preferred the zinc roof over the metal roof. Members suggested starting with the zinc roof and downgrading to the metal roof if necessary for cost constraints. Ramping - Understanding the importance of raising the floor level and that the landscaping is not fleshed out yet, is there a way to bridge the first run of ramps and stairs with a landscape solution that’s more gradual and universal for everyone? - The plan currently shows many handrails since there is quite a rise in a short amount of time. Is there a way to reduce the amount of ramping? Landscape - Shade for the terrace on the city side of the building may be worth considering. - It would be great if the project team is able to obtain the mentioned reclaimed granite for the landscaping. Interior Elements - The Board was happy to see that the view of the water can be seen from the interior stairs. - The security room door could be moved around the corner to the area adjacent to the vestibule instead of adjacent to the queue area. Moving the door would ensure people in the queue cannot see into the security room. - Examining the layout of the ticket counter queuing may be helpful. The current layout has people finishing with the queue crossing paths with people arriving and leaving. Exterior Thin Articulations - The Board really likes the articulation of the thin exterior stairs, ramps, railings, and decks shown on the models. The Board recognized that in reality the elements often get thicker but encouraged the project team to try and find ways to keep the elements very thin. - The thin elements provide a very nautical feel.