The Story of The Red Barn

The Red Barn was built in 1967 after the original 100-year-old barn of the homestead was torn down due to old age. The new barn was built from cement blocks rescued from the 1965 Fridley tornado that destroyed many buildings in that area. Darrell, the teenage son of the family, spent many hours chipping the concrete from the block joists so his uncle could build the cement blocks into the walls they are today. 

After the work was complete on the new barn, Darrell & his dad, Edgar, milked 32 cows in the stanchions that housed them. They milked regularly at 5 am & 5 pm, and delivered the milk in cans, not in bulk. 

Darrell and his wife, Linda, moved in next door after they were married, and he continued to help his dad milk the cows. The barn stopped being used as part of the working farm sometime about 1974-75. 

In 1994  Joel and Chris were married and raised their two boys on the property.  The farm had long since been a working farm, and the old red barn was silent for decades, but Joel and Chris saw the potential in the barn and began dreaming of renovating it... wouldn't it be a charming, lovely space for fun gatherings?!

To make the Red Barn & Garden dream come true, a lot of work was required. First it had to be emptied of all the “stuff” that been stored there over 30 years. It took over a month of weekend cleaning for the barn to be emptied. Next the 12” of chicken manure in the area that housed the old chicken coop had to be shoveled out by hand and disposed of. After a good sweeping, the ceiling, walls and floors were power-washed. Dirty but very fun! 

Changes and restorations were made to bring the old barn to life, including removing the barn cleaner and cow stanchions, and adding a beautiful staircase to the upstairs haymo.  The walls and ceilings were painted a lovely buttercream color, and thanks to a scene in “Downton Abby”, red tiles were an inspiration for the Red Barn tile backsplashes in the bathroom, kitchenette and  around the wood stove.   They added modern amenities, while still preserving the barn's rustic charm. 

The spacious room is light and bright, with contrast wood beams throughout, complete with a charming corner stove, farmhouse sink and retro refrigerator. Large doors open on each side of the barn to allow for cool breezes and views of the outdoors. 

In addition to the restoration of the Red Barn, Joel and Chris have planted hundreds of plants and flowers, and envision color, beauty and life growing all over the property. 

With the renovations complete, the Red Barn and Garden was ready to be used!  Joel and Chris hosted several small gatherings of friends and families to "try it out", and are now pondering what the next life of the barn will be.  Stay tuned for the next adventure of the Red Barn & Garden!