73-75_83-87_Lafayette-demolition-conditional_denial
Salem Historical Commission
98 WASHINGTON STREET, SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 (978)
619-5685
CONDITIONAL DENIAL OF WAIVER OF DEMOLITION DELAY
RE: 73-77 and 83-87 Lafayette Street
On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the Salem Historical Commission issued a conditional denial of a request to
extend the six-month period for demolition after the expiration of the original 18-month delay.
This conditional denial is based on the following facts:
• In February 2022, the North Shore Community Development Coalition (applicant) submitted an
application to the Salem Historical Commission to demolish buildings at 73-77 and 83-87 Lafayette Street
to construct a new mixed-use development on the property. The subject buildings are contributing
resources in the Lafayette Street Area, which is eligible for listing in the National and State Registers of
Historic Places.
• On March 16, 2022, the Commission voted unanimously to find the subject buildings to be historically
significant and preferably preserved. An 18-month delay on the demolition was instituted with the delay
to expire on September 16, 2023. Per the City’s demolition delay ordinance, an owner has six months after
expiration of the delay to seek a demolition permit.
• During the delay period, the applicant engaged in a series of reviews through the Salem Redevelopment
Authority/Design Review Board, the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission on the proposed
new development at the site. In addition, the applicant engaged in Section 106 consultation with the
Massachusetts Historical Commission on the proposed demolition of the historic buildings. Since the
reviews and consultation were still ongoing, the applicant did not seek a demolition permit within the
mandated six-month period after the demolition delay expired on September 16, 2023.
• Conditions have not changed since the original review, and the Commission reaffirms its finding that the
buildings are historically significant and preferably preserved as stated in the original decision.
Based on the above facts, the Commission voted to issue the waiver should the following condition be met:
• The Commission will waive the demolition delay for this application when all required permits and
financing necessary to complete the project are in place or the applicant can demonstrate to the
Preservation Planner that financing commitments are in place for the project. Once all funding and permits
are in place, the Commission agrees to release the delay and allow the demolition as proposed to proceed.
April 15, 2026
Vijay Joyce, Chair
cc: Building Inspector
City Clerk
N/A