County to award $500,000 in grants for historic barn preservation; workshops offered to assist barn owners
Published 10:30 am Sunday, March 6, 2016
King County’s Historic Preservation Program has re-launched its “Barn Again” historic barn preservation grant program, which was last funded in 2008, and now has up to $500,000 in grant funding available for qualified projects.
“People who own historic barns and outbuildings in King County are the stewards of our shared history, and it is exciting to work with them to help stabilize and rehabilitate these structures through the ‘Barn Again’ program,” said King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert.
The first of two competitive grant rounds begins this spring, with up to $250,000 in funding available for qualifying projects. Another $250,000 will be available in 2017.
To be eligible for funding, barns and other agriculture-related community spaces such as grange halls, must convey their historic character, be more than 40 years old, located in King County and in need of substantial repair.
Grant awards could range from $5,000 to $75,000 for projects that extend the life of the building and retain historic features. Eligible projects include repairs to roofs, foundations, walls, structural frameworks and building systems.
Grant guidelines and application forms are posted on the King County Historic Preservation Program website at http://www.kingcounty.gov/property/historic-preservation.aspx. Applications are due May 2.
King County Historic Preservation Program representatives are hosting a series of free workshops for interested barn owners to learn more about the application process and get assistance planning viable scopes of work.
Workshops are scheduled for the following Tuesdays:
· March 29, 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. at Carnation Library, 4804 Tolt Ave., Carnation
· April 5, 12:45 to 2 p.m. at Vashon Library, 17210 Vashon Hwy. S.W., Vashon Island
· April 12, 12:30to1:45 p.m. at Black Diamond Library, 24707 Roberts Dr., Black Diamond
The program is funded through King County and 4Culture’s Building for Culture Initiative, which leveraged early payoff of Kingdome debt to provide significant funding for cultural facilities and historic properties throughout the county.
For more information, contact Todd Scott, King County Preservation Architect, todd.scott@kingcounty.gov or call (206) 477-4545.
