Gage Barn Historic Restoration
Prescott, Washington
The Gage Barn is a historic agricultural structure located near Prescott, Washington and listed on the Washington Heritage Barn Register. Handley Construction & Development was selected to complete a grant-funded restoration focused on preserving the barn's historic character while addressing deterioration caused by age and exposure.
The project involved several of our crews and combined historic carpentry, drainage improvements, extensive exterior preparation, and painting.
Restoring the Original Woodwork
Our carpentry work focused on preserving original material wherever it remained serviceable and recreating deteriorated or missing components where necessary.
The large barn doors required reconstruction, while deteriorated single-pane sash windows and missing or damaged exterior trim were repaired or replicated to match the original construction. Replacement components were selected and fabricated to maintain the dimensions, profiles, and appearance of the historic barn rather than introducing modern details that would change its character.
Extensive Exterior Preparation
One of the largest portions of the restoration became the preparation of the existing wood siding and trim.
As work progressed, widespread failure of the existing paint was discovered. Rather than simply coating over an unstable surface, the failing material had to be removed so the new coating system could properly bond to the historic wood.
More than 80% of the existing exterior coating ultimately required removal. This significantly increased the amount of preparation required but provided a sound surface for the restoration coating system.
Protecting the Historic Wood
Once the exterior was properly prepared, exposed and repaired wood was coated with a slow-drying oil-based primer.
This traditional primer system was selected for its ability to penetrate and bond to aged wood, providing a stable base for the exterior finish coats while helping protect the original material from moisture and weather.
The barn was then completely repainted, restoring a consistent exterior appearance while providing long-term protection for the historic structure.
Preservation Through Craftsmanship
Historic restoration requires a different approach than new construction. Existing materials, original construction methods, and the character of the building have to guide the work.
At the Gage Barn, the objective was not to make an old barn look new. It was to repair what had deteriorated, preserve what remained, and extend the life of a historic agricultural structure while maintaining the details that make it recognizable as the building it has always been.
