The DFA and the Thayer Barn

What is the Thayer Barn and its history with Duvall?

The Thayer Barn is what is referred to as a common “kit barn” popular in the early 20th century and was used as a barn for milking cattle or keeping cows inside, and was part of a large piece of land owned by the local Thayer family.

For those who haven’t been inside the barn, the bottom section is mostly concrete slabs and walls, but the top section or what is referred to as the “hay-loft” is wooden and with at least 9 large tresses.

What was the Thayer Barn Project 10 years ago?

The project was a partnership between the Duvall Foundation for the Arts, The City of Duvall, and NewHall Jones.

The property was formally annexed into the City of Duvall, on April 13, 1995. Then, in 1999 NewHall Jones filed a land use application for a project called “The Duvall Village” with 226 residential and retail uses. A settlement agreement between the City of Duvall and NewHall Jones was signed on Nov 13th, 2000. Part of this agreement stated there would be set aside parcels of the land that would be used for a city community center or parks department. Thus, in turn, both the City of Duvall and DFA would have 10 years for the creation of community art center/parks department.

Between 2001 and 2003 the City of Duvall and DFA worked together to begin the process and raising money to relocate the barn. The City decided to put $200,000 towards the project (partial grant money from 4 culture included), while DFA committed to raising $100,000. These monies were to essentially begin the barn relocation and work on a new foundation and a roof. Additional capital campaigns were planned to finish the barn as a community center over a 4-5 year period.

See the community art center architectural plans.

However between 2004-2005 due to unforeseen circumstances between the developer and the City of Duvall, the developer decided not to move forward with the project. This placed the barn relocation in jeopardy and continued work relied on the project moving forward, thus leaving DFA in limbo.

Finally in 2006, the Mayor notified the Council and DFA that the Thayer Barn project was no longer active.

However again between 2008-2010 the developer contemplated moving the project forward and met with the city, but again the developer ultimately decided not to pursue the project.

Who owns the Barn?

DFA, nor the City of Duvall own the land the barn sits on. The land that the Thayer Barn sits on is owned by a private company called NewHall Jones who at one time was going to develop the land that included the end result of a community arts center, but this land ownership will be changing within the coming weeks. The new owners of the land will be WestCott Homes, a real-estate home builder located in Kirkland, WA. Details about this company and their plans for building in Duvall can be found from our local planning department located with the City of Duvall. So in essence, the barn and land is owned by a private company.

How much money was raised?

The City of Duvall asked DFA to raise $100,000 and members of this task force did so in just 4 months.

How was the money raised?

The money DFA raised for this project was done through several different avenues that included different fundraising type events and strategies. These included personal and private donations from simple cold calling to a local “Get Me out of Jail” event, where various local celebrities were “jailed” and had to raise money to be freed. Also, some money was raised through anonymous donations, and small barn jars at various strategic locations around town. The final monies were raised during a Raise the Barn Auction. In addition, some of the funds are matching donations from various local companies.

Does DFA still have the funds that were raised?

Yes, we do. Despite the organizations efforts, and many “stops and starts” on the project over the past 10 years, DFA has not used these funds for any of our other efforts. The money is located in what we refer to as the Thayer Barn fund at Union Bank in Duvall, Washington.

Washington State Charities profile report for Duvall Foundation form the Arts

Does DFA still have the donation records and information?

Yes, DFA has detailed records of all donations and information regarding the donations given.

Was any money given back to donors after the project was cancelled?

Yes, several donors asked for their money back after the project was cancelled. These donors received their money back from DFA.

What happened? Why did the project stop?

As with any large project, things happen, negotiations on land use fall through, people can’t agree. Between 2004-2005 due to unforeseen circumstances between the developer and the City of Duvall, the developer decided not to move forward with the project. This placed the barn relocation in jeopardy and continued work relied on the project moving forward, thus leaving DFA in limbo.

Finally in 2006, the Mayor notified the Council and DFA that the Thayer Barn project was no longer active, and cancelled the contract between the City and DFA.

However again between 2008-2010 the developer contemplated moving the project forward and met with the city, but again the developer ultimately decided not to pursue the project.

Has there been any efforts to save the Barn over the last few years?

DFA has been a part of many conversations from interested arts groups on building some type of community arts center, and supports some type of community center for the valley. The barn sits on private property and the owners have not been interested in doing anything with the property with the City of Duvall or DFA.

What is happening with the project today?

Since the barn land purchase will be finalized soon and new owner will be established, this automatically places the fate of the barn in question. If the barn is to be saved, there needs to be a place to put it, at least for the interim. Then plans and commitment on next steps with regards to creating a community arts center will need to be determined, which is a very large undertaking.

At the November 12, 2013 city council meeting, Lara Thomas, Planning Manager for the City of Duvall reviewed options for the barn and land use. Copies of this presentation can be requested from the city of Duvall, but notes from the meeting can be found on the City of Duvall’s website. Reference meetings Council of the Whole and General Meeting for Nov 14. Also reference, General Minutes on December 12.

The City Council gave direction to city staff to research the option of setting aside land to be used to place the barn and reimage a community center.

The City of Duvall and the current developer are reviewing proposals to try and set-aside a section of land from the developer to ultimately move the barn onto. This would essentially be similar a space of land set aside to reimagine a community arts center for the citizens of Duvall. However, this land comes with a cost either in impact fee credits, loss of commercial land tax base on site, and the strategies around this must be reviewed and approved by the city council. On the positive side, citizens would have a community arts center that would be count towards commercial use, which is aligned with the City of Duvall’s comprehensive plan.

What is the current condition of the barn today?

The City of Duvall has done a preliminary review of the barn infrastructure and indicated the barn is not safe in its current condition. Moisture for habitable spaces is generally observed at 19% and anything in excess creations conditions for mold growth. Measurements taken at the barn indicate moisture contents of anywhere from 40% to 50% saturation levels, plus instances of dry rot. The City of Duvall did not approve funds to do a deeper structural review of the Thayer Barn. DFA will be looking into whether or not a further structural review and testing on the Thayer Barn is viable within the coming weeks.

How can I help?

Express your wishes as a citizen of Duvall about the future of your town by contacting your city government at www.duvallwa.gov. Your city council members are listed and can be contacted! You can also contact DFA at dfa@duvallarts.org with questions or concerns.

Important Documents

Open Letter to City Council and Mayor Ibersof from Chris Moore, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation

Letter from DFA to Will Ibersof for Thayer Barn

Letter from Will Ibersof to DFA for Thayer Barn

Other Write-ups and Commentary regarding Thayer Barn:

Seattle Times Article, November 2002

The Valley View, 2005

The Valley View, October 2005

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