Barns in Snoqualmie Valley to benefit from county preservation program
April 30, 2008
By Ryan Piersol
Amy Turner believes her old, red barn is a valuable piece of the landscape in Snoqualmie Valley.
Fortunately for her, King County agrees.
Turner’s barn at Blue Dog Farms is one of three in the Valley that have been deemed worthy of a preservation grant. The grants are part of the Heritage Barn Preservation Program, a King County program designed to lend a hand to failing barns.
The other two in the Valley scheduled to receive grants are Black Acre Farms and Seana’s Farm.
“I’m a big fan of the program,” said Turner, whose farm at 7125 West Snoqualmie Valley Road Northeast grows blueberries. “It will still never pay for everything that needs to be done on the barn, but it’s going to be a big help.”
Turner’s barn is a 10,000-square-foot monster, constructed in 1915. It currently holds farming equipment, but could be used for much more if mended.
Turner has a list of seven major projects the barn needs, including a new roof which her family is already in the process of constructing.
“I see it as really valuable and an important part of the landscape,” Turner said of the barn. “I love it. I’m really glad we came to a place with a barn like this.”
Approximately $100,000 is available in the Heritage Barn Preservation Program grants being handed out by King County. Individual grants are expected to be in the range of $5,000 to $10,000.
All recipients of the funds must meet defined insurance and public benefit requirements.
This is King County’s second year to participate in the program.
Editor Ryan Piersol can be reached at editor@snovalleystar.com or 392-6434.
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