There is no other structure as emblematic of Salem's history and architecture as Old Town Hall.

Built in 1816 on land donated by the Derby family, the building served as market house and seat of municipal government in the early part of the 19th century; and a couple of major 20th-century restoration efforts helped put Salem at the forefront of the historic preservation movement.

It's still a beautiful building, whether viewed close-up from Derby Square or from the vista provided by the recent demolition of the former Salem Evening News press building at the corner of Washington and New Derby streets. But while the city has taken pains to keep roof, windows and brick intact, the structure remains underutilized.

Located in the center of Salem's revitalized downtown, this Federal-era masterpiece could and should become a hub of ceremonial and cultural events once again.

(Built by Joshua Upham of Salem, the architect of Old Town Hall remains unknown. But some have ascribed the design to Charles Bulfinch, architect of the Statehouse in Boston. It's perhaps worthy of note that its great hall on the upper floor was first used to celebrate President James Monroe's visit to Boston and Salem in the summer of 1817, a visit during which, according to Statehouse historians, the chief executive was accompanied at virtually every stop by one Charles Bulfinch.)

The Driscoll administration is once again seeking proposals for use of the building which has hosted its share of fairs, concerts, plays and meetings in recent years, but for which there is no long-term plan for its management and upkeep.

The upstairs hall makes an impressive venue for public functions, and it's been suggested in this space on several occasions that the City Council should consider it as a permanent location for major public hearings and inaugural observances. Local promoter David Pelletier has suggested that a retail tenant be found for the ground floor and the city seek to make the function hall home to one or more cultural institutions that would offer regular performances there.

The city mustn't set its expectations too high when it comes to generating revenue from the structure, and a priority must be maintaining public access to the premises. But certainly better, more permanent, uses can be found for this jewel of a building.