Future Of Salem State's South Campus Up For Bid

SALEM, MA —Salem State University took another big step toward its campus consolidation on Wednesday with a request for proposal issued for its 23-acre South campus.

The sale of the land parcel is part of the school's Campus Unification and Modernization Project to concentrate programming at its North and Harrington campuses while providing the city with a new opportunity for economic development.

"This RFP has great potential to benefit the city and our campus," Salem State President John Keenan said. "It is truly a win-win. We're excited that our capital planning will make such a significant parcel in a desirable location available, while at the same time consolidating our campus footprint so that we can offer a more cohesive student experience."

Keenan credited State Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) and State Rep. Paul Tucker (D-Salem) for their assistance in passing state legislation that allows the school to reinvest proceeds from the land sale.

The RFP was developed through consultation with stakeholders, including the university, city of Salem, Massachusetts Historical Commission and Salem Historical Commission. As part of this study, there was a community working group and public forums to gain community input and learn about preferences for use of this land in the future.

"Today's announcement represents a major step forward in the reuse of this significant property in our city," Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. "In addition to the positive outcomes this will bring to Salem State University, the possibility to substantially, and positively, impact our community is
very real.

"It holds the potential to help address our very real community housing needs, improve access to and preservation of sensitive conservation areas, and protect a unique historic building. This project has the opportunity to be transformational for the south Salem neighborhood and our city as a whole."

The RFP can be found here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and
Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)