More than a year after it was destroyed by heavy snow, the maintenance barn at Hoover Ridge is being replaced.
Last January, the park’s large red barn was damaged when seven inches of heavy snow fell, causing the roof to partially collapse. There were no injuries due to the structure’s failure, which was used to store equipment such as mowers and utility vehicles. The centenarian barn, having been on the property for at least 100 years, was unsalvageable and ultimately removed in March.
Equipment was moved to an open pavilion along with other locations around the county. Now, a new structure is about to be built.
According to deputy county administrator Brian Gordon, the county has entered into a contract with Loudin Building System to construct a new 60 feet by 70 feet building with three doors measuring six feet by seven feet, two overhead doors measuring 12 feet by 12 feet and one overhead door measuring 12 feet by 16 feet. The $425,000 quote also includes concrete aprons at all doors and a $30,000 allowance for site work as well as a small contingency for any unexpected expenses that may occur.
Bond proceeds from the radio project will cover a large portion of the building cost, along with $79,800 in an insurance reimbursement from the first barn. Approximately $26,000 is being pulled from the county’s contingency to cover the remainder.
Staff members had a pre-construction meeting earlier this month and construction is set to begin 10 days after building permits have been issued. The building is expected to be complete 170 days after commencement.
