State - Battle Creek Man buys and repairs nearly century-old barn

By Dillon Davis Battle Creek Enquirer BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (AP) -- With the nature of the current economy, a dollar just doesn't get you very far these days. But with his dollar, A.J. Jones acquired a nearly century-old, 1,450-square-foot historical barn. And although it will cost significantly more than a dollar to renovate, Jones is eager to restore the majestic aura that the structure once held. Jones said that the costs of moving and renovating the barn will run between $50,000 and $150,000. "People think I'm crazy," said Jones, who is president and CEO of Family Health Center in Battle Creek. The Weeks family dairy barn, as it was known, sat rotting and defeated in its original resting place on the western side of Battle Creek. Jones said that the current owners of the barn had no interest in renovating it. Longtime member of the Michigan Barn Preservation Network and popular local writer Jan Corey Arnett, the self-described "Barn Lady," said the barn needed "many repairs and the owners didn't intend to pay for them. "Many people won't restore their barns," she said, "but they don't realize that doing so is much more cost-effective than metal barns are. (Jones' barn restoration) is really exciting." Jones, with assistance from the Michigan Barn Preservation Network, saw the character and persona of this diamond in the rough and promptly purchased, dismantled it and moved it to his property in Bedford Township. The barn is known for its massive beams and its gambrel roof, and Jones thought it would be a perfect but unique fit for him. "I just wanted something different," Jones said, "something with the functionality of storage space but with the capability for receptions and get-togethers as well." Jones has never forgotten about the importance of the area's heritage. "I thought about simply building a metal pole barn," he said, "but it would have no character and no heritage. People need to think about our rich heritage." Jones also made some additions to the original structure, as the barn now sits on an entirely new foundation. He has added a basement to the edifice and has begun to collect antique furniture and art to make it seem more authentic. He plans to keep the look authentic with a traditional red paint for the facade and white paint for the windows. Jones expects that the barn renovation should be completed by July 2, which also happens to be his birthday. He intends to have friends and family over for a July 4th celebration and grand opening ceremony. The future holds many things for Jones, but one thing is for sure: He loves this barn. "I'm not a tree hugger," he said, "but I am a barn hugger." ---------- Information from: Battle Creek Enquirer, http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com Published: Tue, Jul 13, 2010

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