The State of Oregon determined that a new State Hospital for Mental Health would be located in Salem.

At the April 9 Stakeholders meeting, government officials, hospital staff and community representatives learned the proposed 700 thousand square foot Oregon State Hospital replacement will be located close to the south side of Center Street and will replace much of the straight portion of the historic “J” building.

However the good news is the oldest “U” configuration will be restored. Plans to incorporate the original 1883 part include using the tower structure as a history museum of mental health and a memorial site.

Also at least seven of those cottages located closest to Center Street will be restored and the park-like green space bordering 25th Street will be retained. The historic entrance, including the distinctive fountain(which was found in a basement and still works) will be  recreated. The 1889 crematorium will be moved and saved and one of the greenhouses may also be restored.

While the huge new treatment center (hospital) will occupy a large part of the south campus, Administrators have tried to save many of the historic structutes.

Now if they could just find a way to save all or most of the “J”!

The greenest building is one that already exists. New construction is 50% labor and 50% materials. Rehabilitation is 30-70% labor.

The Department of Human Services formed a stakeholders’ group with some community representation. This group seeks to provide members with accurate, timely and direct communication throughout the life of the project.

Please join us in getting answers and learning more about Salem’s history and Salem’s future.

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