Manhattan Park Board Hires New Architect for Round Barn Buildout, Secures Annexation for Future Banquet Hall

Article Summary: The Manhattan Park Board advanced its plans for the historic Round Barn Farm on Thursday, August 14, 2025, by hiring a new design firm for a partial interior buildout and approving a crucial annexation agreement with the Village of Manhattan that paves the way for a future banquet facility. The board unanimously terminated its agreement with a previous architect to bring Arete Design Studio, Ltd. onto the project.

Round Barn Farm Project Key Points:

• The board approved a proposal with Arete Design Studio, Ltd. for a partial interior buildout of the Round Barn.

• An agreement with the previous architect, Jon Steven Ditter Architect PLLC, was formally declared null and void.

• Commissioners approved an annexation agreement with the Village of Manhattan, securing necessary zoning for a banquet facility and other uses.

• Ongoing work at the site includes the installation of a 30-foot flagpole, new drainage pipes, and tree and debris removal.

MANHATTAN, IL – The Manhattan Park Board took decisive action on Thursday, August 14, 2025, to push the high-profile Round Barn Farm renovation forward, unanimously approving a new architect for the interior buildout and finalizing an annexation agreement with the village to support its future as a community hub.

In a significant move, the board voted 5-0 to approve a proposal from Mokena-based Arete Design Studio, Ltd. for a partial interior buildout of the historic barn. The same resolution also formally declared the district’s previous agreement with Jon Steven Ditter Architect PLLC to be null and void, marking a clear change in direction for the project’s design phase.

The interior buildout proposal from Arete outlines plans for new men’s and women’s toilet rooms, a general storage room, serving bar, warming kitchen, and mechanical rooms. It also includes provisions for new electrical service and lighting.

Complementing the new design contract, the board also unanimously approved an ordinance for an annexation agreement with the Village of Manhattan. This agreement is critical for the project’s future, as it formally brings the park district property into the village’s corporate limits and establishes its zoning. The agreement specifically allows for the site to be used as a regional park featuring a banquet facility, nature center, museum, and outdoor pavilions.

Park Board President Bridget Hope praised the ongoing efforts, stating in her report that “progress at the barn looks great” and thanking the staff for their work.

According to a recent operations report, progress at the Round Barn site is tangible. Crews have recently installed a new 30-foot flagpole, laid drainage pipe around the barn, repaired the internet cable, and removed overgrown trees and debris from the construction area.

The board also approved two other ordinances accepting land dedications for future parks from developers Core Group Investments, LLC, in the Prairie Trails subdivision, and CalAtlantic Group, LLC, for vacant land near Smith Road and Eastern Avenue.