Asked by Colleen From Stockbridge, MI
Hi,
What can be done to save an old barn when property is sold to the State?
My parents are in financial need of selling 66 acres of their farm land.
Located on this property is a 2-story bank barn with a gable roof. It was built as a dairy barn and is in pretty good shape. There is also a “machine shed” on the property as well, also in good repair.
My parents are trying to get a life lease of use of the barns, but are not sure of the State going along with this. So the likely hood is that the barns will be torn down after the purchase.
I hate to see them destroyed.
Can you tell me how might I go about helping my parents find a home for these barns?
I would love to have the machine shed, but don’t know if I can afford the labor of tearing it down and putting it back up.
Thank you so much
-Colleen
MBPN may be able to help
Hello Colleen
The Michigan Barn Preservation Network (MBPN) may be able to help you, but we’ll need more information about your situation. Please contact me by email or phone. My contact information is located on the MBPN web site: Select “Resources” then “Barn Rehabilitation Contractors and Consultants”.
All the best
Steve Stier
Site for an old barn
My second great grandfather bought the land I live on in Bedford Twp, Calhoun county 2 Occtober 1850. The original barn blew down in the 1950’s and the space left could use a historic barn if someone could build it here.
Mike
Hi Colleen,
Thank you for your question. I am looking in to this for you. I will be forwarding this on to the Michigan Barn Preservation Network for them to comment on.
I know that recently an old barn on state land was saved. It was a historic barn though, and the money to save it was raised through donations.
So I know that the State of Michigan is open to the idea of saving old barns on State land.
Look for more comments to come.
As I get more information I will post it here.
Thanks
The Barn Geek
The MBPN website is http://www.mibarn.net/ copy and past the url in your browser.
Thanks
Aaron