The "signs of improvement" didn't turn out too well for this old salt. Look at this from the Salem Historical Society. Seems like they shouldn't tear it down, but who knows . . .

Old Salem News Building, 155-187 Washington Street (Listed 2001) Status – Signs of improvement
At present, the Italianate brick structure at the corner of Washington and Front Streets is the only occupied portion of this historic building complex. A character-defining wooden 19th and early 20th century commercial block fronting Riley Plaza and downtown Salem as it is approached from the south remains unoccupied and blighted. Two new restaurants have brought new life to the northwest corner of the building complex. The City is undertaking a comprehensive planning study of this key site and HSI is closely monitoring this process.