The Planning Department has said that the RFP will require that the architectural integrity of the three buildings be respected, and that a private or public use complementary to the buildings will be sought. The use must integrate into the community and neighborhood, and a private use that generates tax revenues for the City is preferred. HSI has contacted the Mayor and a City Council order has been submitted requesting that a re-use committee be appointed to facilitate and oversee the RFP process. Cooperation from the City of Salem, and the efforts of a number of individuals have not only been successful in preventing the demolition of the Jailer's House, but have resulted in the transfer of the Salem Jail complex to the City. The City of Salem has had control of the site now for four months.
Enormous challenges remain.