Salem Lincoln Plaza, Salem, Ohio
Lincoln Plaza, Salem, Ohio | City of Salem | Phillips Sekanick Architects, Bruce Sekanick, FAIA, Michele Schwartz AIA | Civic Plaza, Public Space, Downtown Revitalization, Memorial | Architectural Design, Civic Design, Planning, Project Collaboration | Public & Institutional, Civic & Community | 2024
Phillips Sekanick Architects contributed architectural design services for Lincoln Plaza in downtown Salem, Ohio, helping create a new civic gathering place that celebrates the community’s history, honors military veterans and strengthens the heart of downtown Salem.
Located at the prominent intersection of East State Street and South Lincoln Avenue, Lincoln Plaza transformed a highly visible downtown property into an inviting public space for residents, visitors, community events and civic celebrations. The plaza was conceived as a community landmark that would recognize Salem’s history while creating an attractive gathering place supporting the surrounding downtown business district.
The completed plaza incorporates landscaped green space, pedestrian walkways, a central gazebo, fountain, seating and commemorative elements. Its historical features include a bronze statue of President Abraham Lincoln and recognition of Salem’s military veterans and the community’s important role in Ohio’s abolitionist history.
Development of Lincoln Plaza was a collaborative community effort involving the City of Salem, Lincoln Plaza Citizens Committee, design professionals, public agencies, contractors, community organizations and private donors. Phillips Sekanick Architects participated in that effort, with Bruce Sekanick, FAIA, and Michele Schwartz of Phillips Sekanick Architects recognized by the City of Salem for their contributions to the project.
Construction began following a November 2023 groundbreaking. The plaza was substantially completed in 2024 and formally dedicated on December 16, 2024, at a community ceremony attended by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and state, county and local officials. During the dedication, the project was recognized as an important new gathering place reflecting Salem’s history and civic identity.
Lincoln Plaza demonstrates Phillips Sekanick Architects’ experience in civic architecture, public-space design, community planning, downtown revitalization and collaborative public projects in Northeast Ohio. More than a landscaped urban space, the project creates a permanent setting where architecture, landscape, history and civic life come together in the center of Salem.
