The Forge: Reigniting Salem’s community spirit downtown

You’ve probably noticed construction on the old Liberty Plaza building by now. A group of local investors seek to pull it from the grave, transforming the building into a hub of business and community.

A Canadian company previously owned the Liberty Plaza, but without their personal investment in the Salem community, it fell into disrepair. Anthem Strategists (formerly known as Doty Pruett Wilson CPA), Clutch Industries, and a number of other local investors purchased the building early 2024 with big dreams for the space. “We acquired the property with the intention of revitalizing it and turning it into The Forge, a vibrant hub for community and business, deeply connected to Salem’s future,” said Chris Blackburn, co-owner of Clutch Industries. 

With the building’s new ownership and purpose came a new name: The Forge. Tyson Pruett, co-founder of Anthem Strategists, explained that the new name helps shift people’s perspective from an old, vacant building to one that is “vibrant and energetic, yet has substance and staying power.”

As one of the principal investors, Anthem Strategists will occupy the top floor. This revitalization effort continues their history of investing in the downtown area. “We invested in the Roth McGilchrist buildings and really brought them back to life,” Pruett said. “We have grown, and it was time to find a new location to invest in and create a new space for our expanding and evolving business.”

Anthem Strategists recently underwent an evolution from a CPA firm to full-service wealth management. This expansion of service allows them to better understand their clients needs and provide more timely and effective solutions. Each floor features its own characteristic feel and purpose.

A sport-bar themed family-friendly space welcomes visitors on the ground floor. The Cozy Taberna, currently operating out of the alleyway behind the building, will expand into a 4,000 square feet restaurant space, featuring their Spanish-inspired wine list and tapas menu.

The second floor, The Collective, will feature a wide variety of mostly women-centric businesses. Plans remain in the works for a fitness studio, beauty salon, massage services, a champagne bar and shared work spaces.

This floor features 25 different business suites, providing plentiful opportunities for entrepreneurs to bring their dream to life. “It’s a place where entrepreneurs can plant their flag, build connections, and grow alongside the community,” Blackburn said.

The heart of the building, below street level, offers a more exclusive gathering space. The Cozy Taberna will host a classy wine bar highlighting the best of local wineries. This floor will also feature The Vault: “a private whiskey library and a specialized cigar shop offering high-end cigars,” Blackburn said.

Blackburn explained that stakeholders, such as himself, worked hard to ensure The Forge offers a space for everyone, curating just the right businesses to fulfill their vision. “This project is part of a broader effort to bring together local businesses and property owners to create a vibrant, thriving downtown core,” Blackburn said. The Forge reflects Salem’s continued growth and thriving by developing the downtown area—the city’s beating heart.

Blackburn finished, “If The Forge can inspire other developments, help small businesses grow, and become a beloved part of our city’s fabric, that’s what success looks like to me.”