Last night, the Salisbury City Council took several critical steps to advance the long-awaited Empire Project, which is set to revitalize one of Salisbury’s most iconic structures. These actions establish a solid foundation for future development, aligning with the city's vision for downtown growth and historic preservation.
During the council meeting, city staff provided updates on the current status of the Empire Project, highlighting site preparations, and projected timelines.
Key actions included:
The adoption of an ordinance that establishes policies and procedures for infrastructure reimbursement agreements. This ordinance will facilitate collaboration between the city and developers, ensuring that necessary infrastructure improvements are delivered efficiently.
An amendment to the Downtown Salisbury Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to include the required infrastructure for the Empire Row Homes, an integral part of the larger Empire Project.
A resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute essential transaction documents related to the project, empowering him to finalize agreements and move the development forward.
Downtown Salisbury Inc. (DSI) owns the building and also approved the documents at its September 24th meeting. DSI Chair Tonyan Schofield shares the Council’s support for the project, stating, “This project marks a significant step in bringing new life to our downtown. By restoring this landmark, we’re not only preserving our heritage but also creating opportunities for growth, innovation, and community development. We’re excited to see this project move forward and proud to be part of its transformation.”
Salisbury City Mayor Karen Alexander added, “The City of Salisbury remains committed to preserving its rich history while fostering economic growth and downtown revitalization.
The Empire Hotel Project is a pivotal part of this strategy, and the council's actions will shape the project's future direction.”
About the Empire Hotel Project
Located on South Main Street, the Empire Hotel has been a historic landmark in Salisbury since the late 1800s. The city and Downtown Salisbury Inc. have been working with developers to breathe new life into the property, with plans to convert it into a mixed-use development that will include housing and retail in the first phase. The next phases of the project will include housing, boutique hotel rooms, event space, retail, and a restaurant.
Once completed, the project is expected to stimulate local businesses, create jobs, and enhance the downtown district.
For more information, please visit https://empiresalisbury.com/