Assuming Its Place

Barn research team member Jason Neil has been continuing his research in USU Special Collections and Archives and has uncovered more documents related to the "turf wars" over the space in the Art Barn after it was vacated by the Art Department. In addition to the requests discussed in earlier posts, he also found proposals to turn the Art Barn into a photojournalism lab, a hobby center, or a restaurant and recreation center with a barn theme. From 1977 until 2007, discussions continued about the best ways to use the space in the Art Barn, with frequent changes and remodels made as campus needs changed.

In 2007, the faculty using the third floor of the barn wanted to remodel the south end for offices and a conference room. In the process of considering this remodel, it was found that the building failed to meet several codes, including the ADA and fire codes, and that if they did "anything to the building other than install carpet and apply new paint, the entire building [would] have to be upgraded to comply with current code."

It was suggested that the Art Barn may have "substantially outlived its usefulness," especially since it was never intended "for human occupation," but the project coordinator also recognized, "On the other hand, due to the fact that this building is probably the last remaining vestige of Utah State University's agricultural heritage on main campus, it could be successfully renovated (similar to the Janet Quinney Lawson and Lillywhite buildings) and assume it's [sic] place as a prominent historic building along 700 North. . . . Renovation of the structure could produce a marvelous space and preserve a piece of history for the University."

Click on the image of the USU Archives document below to read more about this pivotal decision in the barn's history.