Politics & Government
Historic Barn To Get Major Makeover In Farmington
The Farmington Town Council this month voted to waive project bidding rules to expedite a restoration of the crumbling structure.
FARMINGTON, CT — The town council this month waived Farmington's bidding ordinance and awarded a contract to a firm to quickly renovate the historic Tinty Barn on Main Street before it crumbles to the ground.
The Farmington Town Council unanimously voted to waive section 55-1 of the town's ordinances on open bidding rules and, in doing so, award a $162,500 contract to Authentic Post & Beam out of Thomaston to renovate Farmington's historical agricultural building, which is located on a town-owned park site.
Farmington Town Manager Kathleen Blonski said the barn project is included in the 2025-26 capital improvements budget.
Find out what's happening in Farmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
She said the town has been saving for the project for years and, now, the historic structure will receive a full restoration. Those funds were freed up once Farmington's budget passed.
"We've also been banking funds in previous years for this project," she said. "So we are going to be doing a full restoration."
Find out what's happening in Farmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
She said Authentic Post & Beam has been used by the town before, adding they're familiar with what must be done to restore Farmington's historic barn.
Blonski said it is hoped work on the barn would begin in the fall.
Council members had some questions about the project, but all agreed it was essential to complete it soon, given the structural deficiencies impacting the building.
"I don't think it could go through a winter, so I think it's imperative it gets completed," said Councilman Dave Wlodkowski.
The Tinty Barn — dubbed a "Classic New England barn" — is located at a family park at 9190 Main St., Route 10.
The barn has been on the State Register of Historic Places since 2013, and the site itself dates back to 1733 when Isaac Cowles operated a farm there.
It stayed in the family until the 1950s, when the barns and farm site were donated to the Town of Farmington for use as a park.
For the minutes of the May 13 Farmington Town Council meeting, click on this link.
For more information on the Don Tinty Barn in Farmington, click on this link.
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