Preserving Salem

Structural Assessment of historic Winter Island Buildings Begins!

The Winter Island Barracks and Hangar buildings were constructed in 1934 when Winter Island became home to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Air Training Station, the first air and rescue station on the Eastern seaboard. Both buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places as contributing resources in the Winter Island Historic and Archaeological Historic District.

The Barracks Building is a two-story, hipped roof Colonial Revival style building constructed in brick with limestone trim. The building is highlighted by a projecting portico featuring three arched bays on the first story, an enclosed second story and a pedimented gable roof with oculus window. The yellow brick and concrete Seaplane Hangar was designed in the Art Deco style and features a low hipped roof with a segmental, stepped parapet flanked by paneled and banded corner towers. Large doors provided access for seaplanes.

The Barracks has been vacant since the City took ownership of the site in 1972. The building has been the subject of vandalism over the years and exposure to the weather has caused the partial collapse of the building’s roof and chimneys. Fortunately, the building’s floor structure is concrete and is believed to be in stable condition. The Hangar is currently used for limited storage and is exhibiting significant signs of exterior deterioration with missing masonry elements.

In recognition of Salem’s 400th anniversary in 2026, the City initiated the Signature Parks program to revitalize City-owned parks throughout the community. Winter Island Park is included in this initiative and the historic buildings on the site are integral to the park’s historic and cultural significance. In 2025, the City received CPA funding to complete a study of the Barracks and Hangar to assess building envelopes and overall structural integrity. This assessment will include the following:

• Stabilization/Emergency repairs required to stabilize the buildings and address safety code issues, prevent weather related deterioration, and vandalism; and

• Long Term improvements to improve the buildings to a level suitable for reuse

Structures North, a Salem-based structural engineering firm with extensive experience working with historic masonry buildings, has been contracted to complete the study. In December 2025, their team will visit each building and employ aerial drones to determine current conditions, make recommendations for repairs and stabilization improvements with dimensional drawings, and develop cost estimates to repair and/or renovate buildings.

The goal of this study is to move forward towards stabilization, repair and restoration and to seek grant funding for the restoration work.