Manhattan Park Board Hires Architect for Round Barn Interior Buildout

Manhattan Park Board Meeting | July 2025

Article Summary: The Manhattan Park Board has approved a resolution to hire Jon Steven Ditter Architect PLLC to design a partial interior buildout of the historic Round Barn, marking a major step forward in the multi-year restoration project that will move work from the exterior structure to the inside.

Round Barn Farm Project Key Points:

• The board unanimously approved Resolution 25-5, authorizing an agreement with Jon Steven Ditter Architect PLLC.

• The project involves designing a “partial interior buildout” of the historic structure, which is a key phase of its restoration.

• The agreement signals the project’s transition from structural stabilization to creating usable interior spaces.

• Work continues on the site, including water line installation, berm construction, and preparing for events like the recent Heritage Fest.

The Manhattan Park Board on Thursday, July 10, 2025, took a significant step in the restoration of the historic Round Barn Farm by approving an agreement with an architectural firm to design a partial interior buildout of the iconic structure.

In a unanimous 4-0 vote, the board passed Resolution 25-5, authorizing an agreement with Jon Steven Ditter Architect PLLC. The firm will now be tasked with creating plans for the barn’s interior, moving the landmark project from external stabilization to the development of its indoor spaces.

The decision is a major milestone in the park district’s multi-year effort to preserve and repurpose the century-old barn. For months, work has focused on the building’s exterior and the surrounding grounds. A July Parks and Operations report detailed ongoing work at the site, including staining boards for installation, continuing berm construction, and preparing for the installation of a main water line.

“Superintendent Forsythe provided updates on the following projects,” the meeting minutes noted, listing the Round Barn Farm Annexation Agreement and Round Barn Farm Park among several key district initiatives.

The hiring of an architect for the interior signifies the board’s readiness to begin programming the inside of the barn for future community use. While specific details of the buildout were not discussed at the meeting, the move allows the district to start formal planning for amenities and functional spaces within the historic building.

The Round Barn has already become a central point for community gatherings. The district recently held its annual Heritage Fest at the park, an event that the Recreation Department estimated drew a crowd of 1,800 people. According to the operations report, staff prepared the parking lot and set up for the popular festival.

The board members present—President Bridget Hope, Vice President Kristy Byers, Treasurer Joe Farkas, and Commissioner Nick Goodwin—all voted in favor of the resolution. Secretary Ed Ludwig was absent.