Time takes its toll on Stone Barn

September 24, 2010

By Colleen MacPherson

Time has taken its toll on one of the University of Saskatchewan’s landmark buildings.

The Stone Barn, which was completed in 1912, was closed Sept. 10 due to concerns about its structural integrity. Colin Tennent, associate vice-president of facilities and university architect, said while “outright failure” of the building is unlikely, animals housed in the barn have been moved and access has been limited to qualified personnel.

A thorough assessment of the barn was done about 10 years ago with an eye to refurbishing it, Tennent said Sept. 16 in an interview. “The barn was found to be in reasonably good shape” but that review recommended the university monitor its structural status and conduct a follow-up evaluation in 2010. The most recent appraisal pointed to continued deterioration of the barn, particularly the pilasters the support the building’s columns, and advised closure. “It’s not likely to fall down,” said Tennent, “Right now, the main thing holding it together is the integrity of its floor,” a series of Douglas fir planks laid on edge that have, over time, solidified and actually increased in strength.

The barn was designed by Brown and Vallance Architects, the firm responsible for most of the university’s original buildings. “It is absolutely contemporary with the College Building,” said Tennent, “and in my mind holds as much value as a heritage structure as the College Building.” Originally designed to accommodate about 30 horses and 50 cattle, was built at a cost of about $150,000. One of its most distinctive features is a Gambrel-type roof reminiscent of barns seen in Quebec’s eastern townships.

With the barn’s closure, the Department of Animal and Poultry Science in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources has had to relocate important components of its dairy program. “We were disappointed when we heard the news but we have to deal with it,” said Department Head Hank Classen.

The first step was to relocate the calves housed in the barn. This required the purchase of sheds to provide protection for the young animals. The barn also served as a key handling facility for animals requiring special care or involved in research, “and that part we haven’t quite figured out yet,” said Classen. “We’re adapting on the fly.”

The department has also had to find room for feed and other materials stored in the barn. It has been a challenging process, he said, “but ultimately, the safety of animals and humans has to come first.”

Tennent said a more detailed assessment of the barn’s condition will now be undertaken by external consultants. The results will determine what it will cost to stabilize the structure and to ensure safe re-occupancy. “We’ll be looking at all the risks,” he said, “but the greatest risk in my mind, beyond the physical safety to animals and humans, is the loss of arguably one of the most iconic structures on campus.”