$2.7 million grant for Front Street could reshape future of north downtown Salem

A $2.7 million federal grant could mean big things for transforming the industrial section of north downtown Salem into a walkable, bikeable community with housing, businesses and entertainment.

On Wednesday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the recipients of the $1.8-billion Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants.

Oregon received $42.7 million of those funds, with the bulk going toward U.S. Highway 26 safety improvements in Warm Springs and a zero-emissions bus base in Portland. Salem is set to receive $2.7 million for the Front Street Redevelopment Transportation Corridor Plan.

"The City of Salem believes that the Front Street project has a very strong potential for future growth," said city spokesman Trevor Smith. "We are excited about the support from our federal delegation, specifically Sen. Wyden, Sen. Merkley, and congresswoman Salinas with this grant."

Oregon congressional leaders, including U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both Democrats, praised the project in a joint statement.

Wyden said the money will help Oregon families and small businesses that depend on safe and efficient transportation systems to thrive throughout the state.

U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, an Oregon Democrat whose district represents parts of Marion County, said she was excited to announce the grant to Salem.

"These federal dollars will go toward the planning and redevelopment of the Front Street corridor, which will be vital to improving public safety and growing our economy for the future," she said. "As Salem’s congresswoman, I will keep fighting to deliver the federal funding and resources needed to complete this and other important infrastructure projects in our community.”

The project will conduct analyses and a preliminary engineering study for a 3,700-foot section of Front Street between South Street NE and the Front Street NE bypass.

The project will work to identify improvements to Front Street and support redevelopment in the corridor, as well as improve environmental sustainability through land use and transportation systems that create walkable and bikeable neighborhoods.

"The project's location aligns with our city’s goals to develop walkable mixed-use neighborhoods and amenities close to our downtown urban center," Smith said.

Plan to benefit redevelopments planned for north downtown Salem

The grant could be key for the massive redevelopment of the former Truitt Bros. Cannery in north downtown.

The Statesman Journal first reported the project in April 2023.

Developers behind the project, dubbed The Cannery, reimagined the 13 acres from Mill Creek to Shipping Street along Front Street. Plans detailed 374 units of multi-family housing, an eight-stall food hall, wine tasting room and brewery, access to the Willamette River waterfront and a United Soccer League stadium.

Developer Trent Michels, who grew up in Salem, told the Statesman Journal the project is more than just a development: it's a commitment to create something extraordinary for Salem.

Michels, a Sprague High School graduate, met with community members in 2023 outside the oldest building on the cannery site — the 1914 ripening room overlooking the Willamette River. Michels wants to preserve the building and turn it into a wine tasting room.

The century-old property was owned by various food processors until the Truitt Bros. Cannery began operating out of the site starting in 1973. Started by brothers Peter and David Truitt, it canned local pears, green beans and cherries. In peak season, it would employ 800 people.

When the site went up for sale with a $12 million price tag in 2021, Peter Truitt said he wanted a buyer who would honor its history while investing in the community and revitalizing the area.

They believe they've found that in Michels, who said he wants to create a walkable, sustainable community with public access to trails along the Willamette River and a preserved riparian space.

"I believe in Salem," Michels told the Statesman Journal last year. "Its best days are ahead of it. This is the perfect time to invest in the community."

City leaders have lauded efforts to transform the area but warned of challenges ahead — particularly because of the railroad that winds through the property.

The site is sandwiched between a railroad, road, the river and a greenway, city urban development director Kristin Retherford told the Statesman Journal in 2023.

She said the city is prepared to help the developers address and work through those challenges.

Smith said the potential development of The Cannery district will be considered as part of the planning project.

Next steps for Front Street in Salem

The grant will fund a transportation corridor plan for the 0.7-mile stretch of Front Street just north of Marion Square Park, past the proposed Cannery development, along the Willamette River and up to an industrial area on South Street.

According to city reports, the RAISE program requires a 20% match, but Salem's proposed project is in a part of the city identified by the federal government as an area of "persistent poverty." Such areas are eligible for 100% grant funding with no match requirement.

The study would entail several steps, including analysis of existing conditions like all transportation modes in Front Street and current issues, land uses in the corridor, market analysis of future redevelopment and land use forecast 10 to 20 years into the future.

The next task includes combining data and public input to forecast the demand for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, vehicles and trucks.

"Although not currently served by transit, it is anticipated that redevelopment will increase the number of employees and residents in the area and result in sufficient demand that will justify regular transit service," city staff said in a report to council in February, when they unanimously voted to apply for the grant.

The study would then create four alternative scenarios for meeting the transportation need and start the preliminary engineering process of the preferred scenario.

The process also includes several rounds of public engagement, a final report to council and project management.

Smith said the grant covers the project planning and conceptual design, but the city will need to find additional funds to complete the design and construct the project.

The planning portion is expected to take up to three years once an agreement is in place.

For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com , call 503-910-6616 or follow on X at @wmwoodworth

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: $2.7 million grant for Front Street could reshape future of north downtown Salem