There's no question the Peabody Essex Museum is one of downtown Salem's greatest assets. And the revival seen in recent years would not have occurred had city officials, led by then-Mayor Neil Harrington, not ceded a portion of Liberty Street so the museum could build the new atrium and exhibition space that opened in 2003.
But as the museum continues to swallow more of the area's building stock — last week, it was disclosed that PEM had purchased two office buildings and a residential condominium adjacent to where it plans to build its newest wing — there's understandable concern regarding the institution's outsized influence within Salem's historic central business district.
Some thoughts:
It was good to hear Josh Basseches, PEM's deputy director and COO, express a commitment to maintaining the area around the museum as "a thriving retail district."
Indeed, the owners of Bernard's Jewelers, whose building at 179 Essex St. was bought by the museum, say they plan to remain as tenants; and word is that the stores in the building next door will stay, as well.
The museum says it will use space on the upper floors of those buildings as offices.
Given its huge physical presence, impressive resources — its latest fundraising campaign took in more than a half-billion dollars — and tax-exempt status, the museum should feel a greater obligation to help the host city with some of its needs, such as providing after-school help to students in the public schools. (To be fair, PEM does pay taxes on its revenue-producing properties, such as the restaurant and gift shop, and provides Salem residents with a substantial educational benefit already by allowing them free admission.)
Finally, in light of its plans and recent purchases, the museum has as much of an interest as anyone, if not more so, in seeing the downtown infrastructure improved.
Needs include an upgrade of the Essex Street pedestrian mall and fountain in East India Square, as well as more parking — with a second deck on the Church Street lot offering an ideal opportunity for providing those additional spaces.
In fact, if we're allowed to dream, that key piece of downtown real estate (still referred to by old-timers as the Almy's lot) would make an ideal space for a performing arts center with parking below. Perhaps if PEM and Salem State University joined forces and were able to attract a rich donor or two ...
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