259Washington-WDDOdenial
Salem Historical Commission
98 WASHINGTON STREET, SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970
(978) 619-5685
DENIAL OF THE DEMOLITION DELAY ORDINANCE
It is hereby certified that the Salem Historical Commission has waived the Demolition Delay Ordinance
for the proposed demolition as described below, as per the requirements set forth in the Historic District's
Act (M.G.L. Ch. 40C) and the Salem Historic Districts Ordinance.
Address of Property: 259 Washington Street
Name of Record Owner: 259 Washington Street LLC
Description of Demolition Work Proposed:
Demolish ca. 1930 building
At its meeting on June 3, 2026, the Commission voted unanimously to find the building historically
significant and preferably preserved based on the following:
▪ Building was constructed in ca. 1930 as the office of Alfred Audet, who constructed the Audet
Apartments on the adjacent lot;
▪ Building is architecturally significant as a unique example of the Craftsman style in Salem;
▪ Building is historically significant for its association with Alfred Audet, a leader in Salem’s
French-Canadian community who undertook significant investment in the city before and after the
1914 fire.
▪ Per discussions with the applicant, the Commission supports the following preservation
alternative:
▪ Relocation and preservation of the historic building on a new lot with historic site features
including iron fencing and brick retaining wall to be preserved and rebuilt on new site;
▪ Applicant to work with Historical Commission on final design details for restoration of the
building on new lot.
Therefore, per the demolition delay ordinance, a delay period of 12 months begins on June 3, 2026 and
expires on June 3, 2027 for the above referenced building. During the delay period, the Commission
offers to continue working with the owner to explore opportunities to preserve this historic building and
allow the Commission to release the delay period.
NOTE: The applicant has six months from the expiration of this denial to seek a demolition permit.
Should the applicant not seek a demolition permit, the request shall be reviewed de novo.
Dated: June 8, 2026 SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
By:
cc: Building Commission
City Clerk
2025 Google Streetview