A Fresh Hangout Below The Forge

In late January, a new spot opened in downtown Salem’s historic building known as The Forge. The venue sits on the basement floor at 285 Liberty St. NE and offers a relaxed space for gatherings of all kinds. The owner, Nat Borchers, runs Back Line Real Estate and co‑owns The Forge. He used to play soccer for the Portland Timbers and has launched other projects, such as The Space in a nearby building. He explained that the basement bar and event hall was meant to feel like home, whether people are planning weddings, community meetings or office parties. The design stays simple yet adaptable so guests can tailor the room to their needs. The space covers about 4, 000 square feet and includes a kitchen that stays warm all day, a bar, and a private area for hosts or performers. The building’s upper levels connect to Chemeketa Parkade, giving free parking for visitors. Early events have ranged from a Tiki‑themed retirement bash to local community gatherings, and the team plans to host more music nights, comedy shows, magic acts and other entertainment.Capacity is roughly 100 to 200 people. Anyone interested in booking can find details online at cellar54salem. com. Cellar 54 is part of a larger wave of new businesses in The Forge, which was once the Liberty Plaza department store built in 1954. After a long period of vacancy, a Salem developer bought the property for $5 million in 2023 and began turning it into a mixed‑use hub. The building, which is over 80, 000 square feet, has hosted everything from Starbucks and a teen dance club to an art pop‑up space. Today it houses several new shops, including an ice cream parlor, a hair salon, and soon a coffee‑and‑tea spot decorated with bonsai trees and origami cranes. A nearby noodle house from Eugene is also expected to open. The Forge’s transformation shows how downtown Salem can blend historic architecture with fresh, community‑focused venues. The new basement spot is already proving a versatile venue for events and socializing, drawing people into the city’s revitalized core.