The City of Beavercreek is moving forward with rebuilding the Tobias-Zimmer Barn, which was destroyed by the 2019 Memorial Day tornadoes.
The historic Tobias-Zimmer Barn was built in 1858. It was originally located in the area known as “The Big Woods.” It later became the property of Bob and Agnes Zimmer, who donated the barn in 1996.
Today, the barn is in Wartinger Park, located at 3080 Kemp Road. It has been used as an educational space and historic representation of early life in Beavercreek. It has also served as a gathering place for community activities, such as ice cream socials and heritage events, as well as private events.
After the barn was destroyed, the city’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Division published a community survey asking Beavercreek residents if the city should rebuild a historically accurate replica of the barn or consider other options. The results confirmed the community wanted to see the barn rebuilt.
The city hired McGill Smith Punshon to create replica renderings and bid specifications for the barn. Following a bid process, the project was awarded to Jagger Construction, LLC.
This fall, Jagger Construction will tear down the remaining pieces and tear out concrete in order to re-pour the barn’s foundation.
A groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively scheduled for March 2022 and the project is anticipated to be completed during the Summer of 2022.