BY PAUL KAMPE
Clarkston News Staff Writer
The next chapter of the Ellis Barn’s moving story begins with a fresh coat of paint and the resolution of Springfield Twp.’s pledged contribution to the project.
On July 13, the township board approved payment of the final $9,280 for the move of the 14,000 square-foot barn to the Springfield Oaks Activity Center.
The barn is almost half finished with a new paint job.The painting is supposed to be on a target for completion by the time the Oakland County 4-H Fair begins next week. The barn is scheduled to be used for brief tours during the fair.
In addition to the $20,000 contribution, the township waved fees totaling more than $10,000 for the project.
Oakland County Parks and Recreation worked with the Road Commission for Oakland County to get a $600,000 grant through a Michigan Department of Transportation program to promote historic preservation to put the plan into action.
OCPR asked the township for the remainder of its pledged support in late June.
‘They assumed we would send the money automatically,? Township Supervisor Collin Walls said jokingly at the township board meeting.
Walls said in order for the barn to be used further, it will need electrical updates and fire suppression equipment.
To contact the Friends of the Ellis Barn, call 248-620-2248.