Boulder County, Colo. - History Colorado's State Historical Fund has awarded Boulder County Parks & Open Space a $200,000 grant to complete the first phase of the Wencel barn restoration at Braly open space, located on N. 61st Street near Hygiene.

The first construction phase of the project is anticipated to begin summer 2020 and be completed by the end of the year. The first phase will be completed by a contractor and include rehabilitation of failing structural elements of the 116-year-old barn. Future phases will be completed by Parks & Open Space staff.

The Wencel barn is an important enduring symbol of the area’s farming history and represents the type of family farm that has rapidly disappeared due to the increased land value and decreased farming profitability. The Boulder County Commissioners landmarked the barn in 2018.

This project embodies the county’s long-standing vision to preserve the rural character and cultural resources of unincorporated Boulder County through the identification and preservation of historic and archaeological sites and the protection of historic properties from destruction or harmful alteration.