Resthaven Barn wins state preservation honors

The Woman's Art Club of Cincinnati and the Woman's Art Club of Cincinnati Foundation have received one of eight Preservation Merit Awards from the Ohio Historic Preservation Office for their restoration of the Resthaven Barn, a National Historic Landmark in the Village of Mariemont.

Built in 1924, the barn served as a model farm and dairy until 1940 and was the founding location of United Dairy Farmers. After the dairy closed, the barn was used by the village's maintenance department to store its vehicles and equipment.

It became vacant when the department relocated in 2005, and, with an estimated $1 million price tag for renovations, Resthaven's future became uncertain.

The club purchased the property in 2006 for $50,000 and began an aggressive fundraising campaign, winning financial support from the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission, local foundations, art patrons and village residents.

Architect John Grier and the Hudepohl Construction Company performed the two-phased renovation, maintaining as many of the original building elements and details while also creating a functional gallery and work spaces.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Woman's Art Club Cultural Center was held in September.

Formed in 1892 and now boasting more than 200 members, the Woman's Art Club of Cincinnati is the oldest existing women's art club in continuous operation in the United States.

Previous reading on BC:
Woman's Art Club of Cincinnati to receive $220,000 (11/25/08)