ThisWeek 1/19/2011
The path to the Amelita Mirolo Barn is still covered with snow and mud, but to those involved from the start, they can already see the barn shine.
Tim Moloney, city parks and recreation director, and Kate Erstein, UA historical society executive director, recalled how grimy the original barn timbers were when they walked through it in 2008; before dismantling and moving it from Lane Road.
“I’m in awe, to think this started as the old barn, I’m just overwhelmed,” Erstein said.
She was instrumental in rescuing the barn.
“I only found the acorn, “she said. “Others made the tree grow. The community will be using it long after I am gone.”
When the project is completed in February, visitors to the barn will be greeted by a garden, with plaques honoring the project donors leading them to the main doors, which are located in the same part of the original barn as original owner, Thomas Legg, would have remembered.
“Walking into the original section of the barn and looking around, well, Legg would recognize this,”said Moloney, pointing out several of the original features, including an old pulley and a hay track.
According to Moloney, the original barn was 20 feet by 30 feet. This is what has been resurrected and joined to the larger, newly hewn, timber-framed section, providing a total indoor space of approximately 3,700 square feet.
Such a large space, however, doesn’t mean a lack of energy efficiency.
“The whole building is wrapped in SIP [Structural Insulated Panels], which combined with the original barn material offers a greater than R30 energy rating,” Moloney said.
Even a high efficiency wall heater is made to fit into the structure as seamlessly as possible.
After commenting to one of the carpenters about how it would be nice to disguise the heater, Moloney said that he came back on site a few days later, and without any additional expense, the carpenter made a wooden frame to mask the modern heating unit.
In the catering kitchen, Moloney pointed out another piece of detail that the contractor completed without requesting a change order.
“This is typical of Setterlin Construction on this project; they want to see it come together as best as possible, too, and have taken a lot of pride in it.” Moloney said. “This project is on time and under budget.”
One detail of particular interest came about back in September.
“The week of the barn raising there was a tornado warning while the timber framers guild was camping on site. There wasn’t a tornado but a large maple tree fell,” Moloney said, as he pointed out a section of maple tree in the framing.
“The framer’s decided to include it as a structural element, they call it live bracing.”
When the structure is complete, it will host public and private events – rental information is available through the parks and recreation department. The major offerings of this facility include a catering kitchen, multi-media presentation equipment, stage and amphitheater and room for up to 200 in a quiet park setting.
Sue Ralph, Upper Arlington Community Foundation executive director, said reservations are already coming in for events starting July 1.
The Jake Will Amphitheater and UA Arts Stage will host the city’s summer concert series as well as a theater camp for kids.
Erstein stated that the historical society is committed to providing a lecture series in the facility as well as an interactive display of the city’s history.
On May 21, the community foundation, historical society, the city and other participating organizations will welcome the public in to see the barn during the city’s Spring Fling event from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The community foundation is still accepting funds to complete the project; for more information on donations visit http://uacommunityfoundation.com.
“No one has said no to helping with this project, the whole community has really made it happen,” Ralph said. “This has really shown what can happen when we come together.”