Coalition pitches Dome Building revitalization as youth hub; city asked to support formation of nonprofit partnership
Loading...
Summary
A newly forming Dome Building Community Coalition presented plans to repurpose the historic Dome Building as a youth and nonprofit hub, describing volunteer capacity, partner organizations and program goals and asking the city to support coalition development and negotiations with state property managers.
A coalition of nonprofit leaders, youth and volunteers on Monday presented a plan to the City Council to revitalize Salem's historic Dome Building as a youth and community services hub.
Speakers described a coalition forming a 501(c)(3) to restore the building for a mix of uses including youth programs, a drop-in center, a thrift store to generate revenue, office space for nonprofits and meeting space. The presenters said they intend to partner with existing regional nonprofits and operate programs focused on leadership, civic education and services for transition-age youth.
Steven Price, who introduced the coalition, said the group had convened partners and volunteers and sought a city endorsement to help in negotiations with the state Department of Administrative Services, which controls the property. Dr. Mary Ann Walker described her Young Leaders Program'which runs civic and leadership residencies for teens'and said the Dome Building would let the program expand year-round.
Multiple youth participants described personal benefits from the Young Leaders Program, including leadership, job skills and civic engagement experience. Board members said they have volunteers ready to donate labor, had experience writing grants and would preserve the building's historic character while adapting it for modern nonprofit uses.
The presenters asked for the city's support as they form the nonprofit and negotiate terms with the state. Staff did not present a city action on Monday; councilors thanked the group and asked staff to track the coalition's progress and the state's disposition process.
The speakers emphasized historic preservation: board members said the Dome Building has statewide historic significance and urged a reuse that would open the property to the community rather than leaving it vacant.
