Salem Suede Co.

Salem Suede Company was one of the last working tanneries on the North River. The company made headlines in the 1990's for environmental violations.

After a 2007 fire in a factory shed brought headlines, a developer stepped forward proposing to make 164 apartments in four buildings. The Salem Suede site would be combined with a neighboring Bonfanti leather factory on Mason Street. Salem Suede had shut down most of its production in 2004. It was declared dangerous in 2009.

After a long court battle with neighbors and the Federal Street Neighborhood Association, the developer will be moving forward with 130 apartments with lower building heights and parking and traffic considerations built into the revised plan.

See Also

"Tannery rehab a be-careful-what-you-wish-for proposition" Salem News, July 17, 2007, p. 1 "Owners to demolish Salem Suede" Salem News, Aug. 12, 2009, p. 2 "Salem Suede factory is declared dangerous" Salem News, Sept. 3, 2009, p. 1 "Neighbors vs. Salem Suede as North River trial starts tomorrow" Salem News, Mar. 8, 2010, p.1 "Judge: No legal standing for case; developers win court battle over Suede site" Salem News, July 22, 2010, p. 1