Maplewood Barn Public Input

The Maplewood Barn Construction Committee has developed two plans for the reconstruction of the Maplewood Barn. We need your help in selecting which options and which improvements should be considered as the top priorities. Survey closes 5:00 pm September 27, 2010.

Review Option A Review Option B Take the Survey

Option A: Closely resembles the old barn as it keeps the performance stage at the end of the barn, except with an extended roof that provides partial protection of the stage. Option A is located in the same area as the old barn.

Option B: Resembles the shape of the old barn, but moves the performance stage to the side of the barn and includes a larger extended roof section and more storage in the second floor or loft area. While either option may be constructed on the general site, Option B suggests that the barn be shifted closer to the parking lot and rotated so that a portion of the stage would be in view of Nifong Boulevard. This creates the potential for a larger audience area with terraced seating and moves them further from the animal pens.

Estimated Costs: Traditionally, cost estimates are not calculated during the concept phase as details such as construction materials and specifications are not known. However, park staff has done some preliminary work and feel that the physical shell of a barn that appears similar to the old barn in size, shape and construction, can be done with a budget of approximately $100,000. This estimate does not include any site grading or interior work such as concrete flooring, loft flooring, interior walls for storage rooms, restrooms or any utilities. Depending on the results of the public input phase, the interior and site preparation (grading, water, sewer, electrical, etc,) could cost between $150,000 -- $225,000, bringing the total cost of the barn to $250,000 to $325,000. Staff and the Maplewood Barn Theater group feel that both options may be built for this estimated cost range.

Funding: At this time, there are no funding sources for the construction of the barn with the exception of approximately $90,000-$100,000 from the City’s insurance fund. Future possible funding sources include the extension of the Park Sales Tax and fundraising efforts from the Maplewood Barn Community Theater, Firefighters Union 1055 and possible grant sources. The Department is proposing $200,000 in Park Sales Tax funds for improvements to Nifong Park. At this time, the Department anticipates that approximately $150,000 could be used for the construction of Maplewood Barn leaving $50,000 for improvements to other amenities in the park such as the Maplewood Home. The Department will not know if these funds are available until the vote on November 2, 2010. The Maplewood Barn Community Theater, working with the local Firefighters Union 1055 has established a fundraising goal of $50,000 and is working with the Cultural Affairs office on the availability of art grants for this type of project.