The Salem Redevelopment Authority has completed the sale of the former Old Salem Jail complex (former Essex County Jail) to Old Salem Jail Ventures LLC, which plans to put 23 housing units on the site, according to Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll.

The property will also include a restaurant, a jail history exhibit and one affordable live/work unit. A second phase of the development will bring an additional 13 new housing units.

"The redevelopment of the jail is another testament to the desirability of downtown Salem," said Driscoll. "Despite a challenging economic climate, significant private sector investment continues in Salem, condominium values have held, rental vacancy is low, and new businesses are opening. The Old Salem Jail is in a prominent location. The redevelopment will preserve the historically significant structures – part of Salem’s fabric – and create a beautiful gateway into downtown."

The Old Salem Jail complex consists of three buildings: the jail (1813 and 1884), the jail keeper’s house (1813) and a barn (1815). The Old Salem Jail complex has been abandoned since 1991. A previous attempt by the city to offer the buildings and site for private sector redevelopment in 2001 was not successful.
Old Salem Jail Ventures LLC is an affiliate of Boston-based New Boston Ventures