Reed Opera House and McCornack Block Addition

The Reed Opera House is a brick structure with retail spaces on the ground floor and the former theater above, now repurposed for mixed-use tenants. The building maintains its original floor plan with commercial activity on the lower level and office and cultural spaces on upper levels.

Built in 1869 by Cyrus Adams Reed, it was initially planned as a legislative building before becoming an entertainment venue. The formal opening in 1870 marked its transformation into a cultural center for the region.

The building still anchors downtown Salem with its striking red brick facade and remains a focal point of the historic district. Visitors can see how the space connected the community through performances and public gatherings that shaped local identity.

The building sits downtown on Liberty Street and is easy to reach on foot, with various businesses and restaurants allowing glimpses of the historic structure. Visitors can stop by during daytime hours to view the architecture or visit one of the ground-floor shops.

The building was constructed with substantial masonry and embodied Salem's aspirations as a rising cultural center. Famous speakers and performers from across the nation appeared in its theaters, making it a cultural hub that drew audiences from surrounding areas.

Location: Salem

Inception: 1869

Floors above the ground: 2

GPS coordinates: 44.94111,-123.03750

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:08