The Gallery Building
Salisbury, MD
For nearly a century, Salisbury, Maryland’s Downtown Plaza was anchored by F.W. Woolworth Company, one of the nation’s largest retailers. Throughout the mid-20th century, retail competition drastically increased, leading to the eventual vacancy of the Woolworth’s building. Upon hearing of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)’s need for a new location, Gillis Gilkerson introduced the idea of a massive redevelopment that would eventually transform an empty, plaza-fronting building into a rediscovered community asset.
In 1992, after several successful regional redevelopments, Gillis Gilkerson’s development team purchased 208- 212 West Main Street and began the process of repurposing the former retail building. Over the course of two years, the team planned, approved and completely remodeled over 60,000 square feet of prime real estate in Downtown Salisbury. The historic building was updated to include modern and safety amenities such as a fire suppression system, glass elevator, and individual gas and electrical meters. Throughout the process, Gillis Gilkerson’s construction and development teams maintained the property’s historic value by utilizing many of its original, vintage accents—the original tin ceiling is still in place today!
Since its grand re-opening, the Gallery Building has become home to the Regional Art Institute and Gallery, a number of federal and local government agencies, local politician offices, attorneys, non-profit organizations, and retail business. The building also houses Salisbury residents in its apartment units.
In August 2015, owners Palmer Gillis and Tony Gilkerson donated the 85-year-old structure to Salisbury University, boasting the institution’s presence in the trendy downtown business and retail district.
The Gallery Building is located within Salisbury’s Historic District, Arts and Entertainment District, and Enterprise Zone. Offering a unique experience to all of its tenants, the Gallery Building provides modern building amenities within walking distance of several local restaurants and bars, professional offices, the Wicomico County Library, the Court System, Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC), and the City Park.