Venetucci barn restored by trees burned in Black Forest Fire

It is one of the oldest structures located on Venetucci Farm, but time took its toll on the 100-year-old asparagus barn.

According to Pikes Peak Community Foundation CEO Michael Hannigan, the barn was missing large portions of the siding and roof while the beams were rotting and broken. He said it was too dangerous to even use.

“There was no roof on half of the building, most of the timbers had rotted and fallen down,” said Hannigan.

Andy Stauffer, owner of Stauffer and Sons Construction, offered to repair the barn but wanted to take a unique approach in the reconstruction.

“These here are logs that we’ve taken out of the Black Forest burn area,” said Stauffer.

Stauffer said once the scorched skin of the trees is removed, the wood will be perfect for making the necessary repairs on the barn.

“The common thread is wanting to do something and make something good come out of such a catastrophe,” said Stauffer.

Hannigan said since the barn is now stabilized, it will be used for storage. He said there is also more work to do on the barn to reestablish a cold cellar and complete the roof and siding.

This barn is not the only structure that will be incorporating wood from the Black Forest Fire. A new barn under construction is also using the wood.

“What a cool thing to take something that was truly an emergency and a disaster and a tragedy for so many people and have those dead logs have new life here at Venetucci Farm,” said Hannigan.

The farm is in need of additional funding to complete these projects. To donate to the farm, click here.