The Historical Commission recognizes that Amherst is quickly losing its agrarian history and culture, amplified by the loss of barns and outbuildings. The barn is integral to the context of one of the last working farms in the center of Amherst. The barn has deteriorated significantly in the last 6-8 months, jeopardizing the structures’ stability and likelihood of withstanding another year or two of New England winter. The project is the first step necessary to preserve the barn and possibly convert it into a space where events could be hosted. The total cost of the preservation effort has been preliminarily estimated at $200,000. As in all cases of private uses of CPA funds, an historic preservation restriction on this building and property will need to be transferred to the Town.