July 2026 Update

The Dome Building Community Coalition (DBCC) has submitted its final proposal to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to acquire and repurpose Salem’s historic Dome Building. DBCC is the only applicant in the State’s disposition process.

This work is increasingly urgent. The Dome Building continues to deteriorate while it remains vacant, and recent photos show the visible effects of continued exposure, deferred maintenance, and disuse. Every additional season of decay risks greater damage, higher restoration costs, and the loss of historically significant features. Acquiring and stabilizing the property is essential if this important Salem landmark is to be preserved and returned to productive community use.

Over the past several months, DBCC has worked closely with DAS to complete extensive due diligence. This has included reviewing the building’s condition, potential uses, operating costs, insurance, funding, partnerships, affordable-housing opportunities, and the responsibilities DBCC would assume following acquisition. DAS is still reviewing the proposal, and ownership of the property has not yet transferred.

Affordable housing remains the project’s primary public benefit. DBCC is working with DevNW on the potential development of income-restricted affordable housing on portions of the property. The final acreage, financing, ownership structure, approvals, and development agreements are still being determined.

DBCC is also planning a phased approach to reopening and improving the Dome Building. Initial conversations with the City of Salem indicate that Phase I may offer a practical permitting path requiring relatively limited improvements. These discussions are encouraging, but they are preliminary and do not represent a permit or final City approval.

If the acquisition is completed, DBCC will immediately become responsible for security, insurance, utilities, inspections, cleaning, maintenance, and urgent stabilization. Phase I is expected to include addressing  the City of Salem's requirements to allow immediate permitting and occupancy under our Phase I plan.

The accompanying photos help show why timely action matters. The longer the Dome Building remains vacant and exposed, the more difficult and expensive its recovery will become. DBCC’s goal is to stop the continuing deterioration, protect what remains, and transform the property into a lasting community asset—combining affordable housing with nonprofit, educational, cultural, food, and community-serving uses while preserving an important part of Salem’s history.

We will continue sharing updates and photographs as the State’s review moves forward.