Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

Two-time MLS Cup champion Nat Borchers is betting BIG on Salem - and he's putting his money where his mouth is. From the 45th Parallel to downtown's JCPenney building, this soccer legend turned real estate mogul is transforming Salem one property at a time.

In this powerhouse conversation, discover:

• Why a champion athlete chose Salem over anywhere else in the world
• The massive JCPenney vision: rooftop bars, basement night markets, and family entertainment hubs
• How Salem's "boring" reputation is completely wrong (and provable)
• The downtown revitalization that's creating Salem's new heartbeat
• Why tight-knit communities win over big cities every time

Timestamps:

00:23 – Nat’s optimism & community focus

03:15 – Growing up in Pueblo & Salem parallels

05:38 – From the Timbers trade to real estate

11:05 – Launching 45th Parallel

18:56 – Reviving the JCPenney building

24:39 – Rooftops, night markets & new energy downtown

34:44 – Busting Salem misconceptions