The Firm

Historic Salem recently announced that the newly renovated Forest River Pool Bath House was recognized with a 2022 Preservation Award. 

From Historic Salem:

The Pool at Forest River Park has a long and remarkable history with the site providing recreational opportunities for the community for a century. The Pool first opened in the 1910s as a salt water tidal pool that would be filled with high tide water on Sundays before the tide gates would close and hold the water for the week of swimming. In the 1920s the current single-story brick and stucco bathhouse was constructed featuring corner quoins, a roof parapet, and an arcaded north elevation.

The pool itself operated as a saltwater pool, with an expansion in the 1970s until 1999 when it was converted to a fresh-water recirculating pool. However, by 2017 the pool had reached the end of its lifespan and its design presented swimmer safety concerns. During the study phase for the pool replacement there was an option to demolish the entire site and start with a clean slate. But after consultation with the Salem Historical Commission, Historic Salem and updating historical and architectural assessments the city shifted to a plan to restore the bathhouse to serve the newly designed and constructed Pool.

The building’s exterior stucco was restored and the corner quoins, roof parapet design, entrance to the pool and the entrance gates were preserved. The rest of the north elevation was sensitively renovated with the arched openings partially infilled with recessed walls to ensure that the original arcaded appearance was preserved. Solar panels were added to the building’s flat roof behind the parapet, and they generate all the electricity needed for the bathhouse. A new addition on the building’s east elevation provides much needed community space while respecting the view of the historic bathhouse from Forest River Park. In addition, this project addressed climate resiliency concerns, and the level of the pool deck was raised to the height of the bathhouse and is buffered by a newly planted salt marsh that will provide protection against future storms.

We are pleased to present this award to the City of Salem for creation of this accessible, sustainable public history preservation project at Forest River.