An experienced Salem developer with a passion for historic buildings will get a chance to remake one of downtown’s last open blocks into a mix of apartments and event space.

City officials recently selected a proposal from ORREO LLC, to develop Block 45, a vacant lot next to Riverfront Park. The company is controlled by Charles Weathers, the developer behind the Fork Forty Food Hall and makeover of the former Whitlock’s building downtown .

“As a business and property owner and long-time supporter of our historic downtown, I am beyond excited for the opportunity to bring to life a new building that will contribute to the vibrancy and livability of the Riverfront-Downtown area,” Weathers said in an email to Salem Reporter.

He’s working with CBTwo Architects, Community First Solutions,

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