The City of Beavercreek will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the reconstruction and completion of the Tobias-Zimmer Barn, which was destroyed by the 2019 Memorial Day tornadoes.
The public is invited to attend the celebration at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, at Wartinger Park, 3080 Kemp Road.
“This celebration has been three years in the making,” said Kim Farrell, superintendent of Beavercreek’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Division. “We are excited to be able to complete this project and provide this beautiful barn to the community.”
The barn, which was built in 1858, was originally located in the area known as “The Big Woods,” but later became the property of Bob and Agnes Zimmer, who donated the barn to the city in 1996. Today, the barn is located in Wartinger Park.
After the barn was destroyed, Beavercreek’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Division published a community survey asking residents what they would like to see built in its place. The results confirmed the community wanted a replica of the barn to be built.
The city worked with an architectural firm, McGill Smith Punshon, and the Beavercreek Historical Society to build a historically-accurate replica of the barn. Insurance covered the costs and the city hired Jagger Construction, LLC for the project.
The barn will continue to be used as an educational space and historic representation of early life in Beavercreek. It will also serve as a gathering place for events and activities, including private events. To reserve the barn, contact the city’s Parks, Recreation, & Culture Division by calling (937) 427-5514 or emailing parks@beavercreekohio.gov.