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May 2008 Front Page
Lafky’s Plan Brings WOU to Salem
Kevin and Ida Lafky are working on a new project sure to draw not only public praise, but something much bigger, a cornerstone, an institution.
“Bringing Western Oregon University to Downtown Salem wouldn’t be possible without the vision and of John Minahan (President of Western Oregon University),” said Ida Lafky. Ida is a 1998 Graduate of WOU. This is just another way for Ida to do what she does best.
Making things happen seems to be the Lafky family business. Successful Salem attorney Kevin Lafky, Ida Lafky and their venture partners, Marion Park LLC are in the initial phase of re-developing the Marion St. Parking structure to include 60 Apartments, retail space and WOU classroom facilities.
“Workforce housing is what Downtown Salem needs,” said Kevin Lakfy. “This type of mid-range residence is needed for the overall success of the Downtown core. Turning the Marion St. Parking structure over to private developers will save the City of Salem around a half million dollars per year. Bringing Western State University to Downtown Salem is priceless. The mix of the WSU demographic will certainly add to the over-all appeal of Downtown Salem.
Ida and Kevin Lafky are invested and committed to Downtown Salem. With construction well underway of their “Rivers” condo project, the Lafky’s vision is rising nicely and well on its way to completion.
The WSU-Salem project is certainly receiving a big welcome as young people come to Downtown Salem. This diversity of population is what great cities are made of.
Read more about this ongoing development in the summer editions of the Salem Business Journal.

Yost Purchases
Vick Building in Downtown Salem
Roger Yost increased his property holdings in Downtown Salem recently with the $4.5 million purchase of the Vick Building at 525 Trade Street from a Los Angeles corporation that has owned the landmark since 1986.
The Vick, a 35,075 square foot masonry building constructed in 1920 to house a tractor dealer, and now housing State of Oregon judicial and health divisions, is Yost’s fourth Downtown property purchase since 2003. The others are the historic

Continued on page 6

Lisa Martinson’s
One Year Anniversary with Glance
January 1, 2008 marked the one year anniversary of Lisa Martinsson’s purchase of Glance Optics and Eyewear, the optical boutique in downtown Salem. This turning point also marks the sixth year of success for Salem’s premier optical shop.
It would seem that this story started when Lisa gleefully accepted the offer of a very successful Salem Ophthalmology practice to help open and manage a high-end, fashionable optical boutique. Lisa took on the challenge out of a desire to create an optical experience unlike any she had

Continued on page 14