The Three-Fold Mission of the DBCC
Housing. Preservation. Public Benefit.
The Dome Building Community Coalition (DBCC) exists to steward one of Salem’s most recognizable historic landmarks in a way that serves both present and future generations. Our mission rests on three integrated pillars:
1. Affordable Housing
2. Historic Preservation
3. Community-Centered Adaptive Reuse
These are not competing goals. They are mutually reinforcing.
The Dome Building Community Coalition (DBCC) exists to steward one of Salem’s most recognizable historic landmarks in a way that serves both present and future generations. Our mission rests on three integrated pillars:
1. Affordable Housing
2. Historic Preservation
3. Community-Centered Adaptive Reuse
These are not competing goals. They are mutually reinforcing.
1. Affordable Housing at the Core
Housing Designed for the Building
DBCC is committed to developing affordable housing serving individuals earning at or below 80 percent of the median family income for Marion County.
Based on the building’s configuration, structural layout, and urban context, DBCC envisions housing designed primarily for:
• Youth and emerging adults
• Young professionals and workforce renters
• Educators and service-sector workers
• Seniors and older adults seeking stable housing
The Dome Building’s design is not ideally suited for large family units. Instead, the structure lends itself to smaller, thoughtfully designed residential units appropriate for single occupants, couples, or seniors — integrated within a mixed-use historic setting.
Serving Underserved Populations
Housing at the Dome can provide:
• Workforce housing for individuals priced out of market-rate units
• Transitional or stability-focused housing for young adults
• Independent living options for seniors
• Income-restricted units that align with state housing priorities
By focusing on populations whose housing needs align with the building’s physical realities, DBCC ensures both mission integrity and practical feasibility.
DBCC is committed to developing affordable housing serving individuals earning at or below 80 percent of the median family income for Marion County.
Based on the building’s configuration, structural layout, and urban context, DBCC envisions housing designed primarily for:
• Youth and emerging adults
• Young professionals and workforce renters
• Educators and service-sector workers
• Seniors and older adults seeking stable housing
The Dome Building’s design is not ideally suited for large family units. Instead, the structure lends itself to smaller, thoughtfully designed residential units appropriate for single occupants, couples, or seniors — integrated within a mixed-use historic setting.
Serving Underserved Populations
Housing at the Dome can provide:
• Workforce housing for individuals priced out of market-rate units
• Transitional or stability-focused housing for young adults
• Independent living options for seniors
• Income-restricted units that align with state housing priorities
By focusing on populations whose housing needs align with the building’s physical realities, DBCC ensures both mission integrity and practical feasibility.
2. Preservation with Purpose
Protecting Historic Character
The Dome Building is not simply a structure — it is a civic landmark. Preservation is central to DBCC’s identity.
Our approach prioritizes:
• Retention of historic architectural features
• Compliance with preservation standards
• Thoughtful modernization that respects historic integrity
• Long-term structural stewardship
Historic preservation and affordable housing are not opposites. When aligned thoughtfully, adaptive reuse strengthens both.
Adaptive Reuse as Sustainability
Preservation-first redevelopment reduces demolition waste, conserves embodied energy, and sustains the cultural fabric of the community. DBCC views historic stewardship as both a cultural and environmental responsibility.
The building’s character becomes a living part of daily life rather than a static monument.
The Dome Building is not simply a structure — it is a civic landmark. Preservation is central to DBCC’s identity.
Our approach prioritizes:
• Retention of historic architectural features
• Compliance with preservation standards
• Thoughtful modernization that respects historic integrity
• Long-term structural stewardship
Historic preservation and affordable housing are not opposites. When aligned thoughtfully, adaptive reuse strengthens both.
Adaptive Reuse as Sustainability
Preservation-first redevelopment reduces demolition waste, conserves embodied energy, and sustains the cultural fabric of the community. DBCC views historic stewardship as both a cultural and environmental responsibility.
The building’s character becomes a living part of daily life rather than a static monument.
3. Civic and Community Center
A Mixed-Use Community Landmark
Beyond housing, the Dome will host mission-aligned uses that support:
• Educational programming
• Cultural events
• Civic engagement
• Nonprofit and community-serving organizations
This mixed-use framework creates activity throughout the day and across seasons, strengthening both financial sustainability and public benefit.
A Building That Works for the Community
The Dome is envisioned as a dynamic civic commons — a place where residents live, learn, gather, and collaborate.
Layered uses ensure:
• Continuous activation
• Financial resilience
• Public access
• Long-term viability
Housing provides stability. Preservation provides identity. Civic activation provides life.
Beyond housing, the Dome will host mission-aligned uses that support:
• Educational programming
• Cultural events
• Civic engagement
• Nonprofit and community-serving organizations
This mixed-use framework creates activity throughout the day and across seasons, strengthening both financial sustainability and public benefit.
A Building That Works for the Community
The Dome is envisioned as a dynamic civic commons — a place where residents live, learn, gather, and collaborate.
Layered uses ensure:
• Continuous activation
• Financial resilience
• Public access
• Long-term viability
Housing provides stability. Preservation provides identity. Civic activation provides life.
Why the Threefold Model Matters
Public land deserves public benefit.
Oregon law prioritizes affordable housing when surplus public property is considered for disposition. DBCC embraces that principle. By integrating income-restricted housing with preservation and community uses, we align legal priority with community vision.
The threefold mission ensures the Dome Building remains:
• Historically significant
• Socially relevant
• Economically sustainable
• Publicly beneficial
This is not redevelopment for short-term gain. It is stewardship for long-term impact.
Oregon law prioritizes affordable housing when surplus public property is considered for disposition. DBCC embraces that principle. By integrating income-restricted housing with preservation and community uses, we align legal priority with community vision.
The threefold mission ensures the Dome Building remains:
• Historically significant
• Socially relevant
• Economically sustainable
• Publicly beneficial
This is not redevelopment for short-term gain. It is stewardship for long-term impact.
Our Commitment
DBCC is prepared to pursue redevelopment that:
• Develops affordable housing for households at or below 80% of Marion County’s median family income
• Preserves and restores the Dome’s historic character
• Activates the building with community-serving uses
The Dome Building can serve as a model for how public land, historic preservation, and affordable housing policy intersect in meaningful, lasting ways.
Housing anchors it.
Preservation defines it.
Community gives it purpose.
• Develops affordable housing for households at or below 80% of Marion County’s median family income
• Preserves and restores the Dome’s historic character
• Activates the building with community-serving uses
The Dome Building can serve as a model for how public land, historic preservation, and affordable housing policy intersect in meaningful, lasting ways.
Housing anchors it.
Preservation defines it.
Community gives it purpose.