By Gretchen Webster

WESTPORT — Plans to remodel the late-19th Century barn at Wakeman Town Farm took a step forward — again — when the Historic District Commission this week approved revisions to the initial design.

The proposal had won HDC approval last year. But after revisions — including addition of a bathroom and expansion of the space by two feet — were approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission last month, the changes were significant enough to require that other town boards give the project a second look.

In the works for more than a year, plans to remodel the barn call for a large activity space for programs, classes and other events, and an area to sell seasonal produce and merchandise at the nonprofit farm, 134 Cross Highway. There will also be a storage area for farm equipment and maintenance supplies.

The need for a bathroom was evident, architect Philip Cerrone told the Historic District Commission, as are structural improvements to both the exterior and interior of the structure. Heat and air conditioning will also be added, he said.

“The building is pretty dilapidated,” Cerrone said. 

The plan calls for new siding, shingles and windows and three cupolas on top of the barn, mirroring the look of other buildings on the Wakeman property. There will also be traditional sliding barn doors.

“We’re trying to get the building to look as good as we can to fit into the surroundings” of the farm property, Cerrone said.

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved an 8-24 land-use report on July 15 after the plans were updated. The renovation is being funded by private donations, American Rescue Plan Act funds and a loan from the town.

The barn was built in the 1800s by his great-grandfather, according to Bill Constantino, a member of the Wakeman family and now co-chair of the Wakeman Town Farm Committee. It was used for many agricultural purposes, from dairy to poultry to vegetable farming. 

Isaac and Pearl Wakeman sold the 41-acre farm, to the town in 1970.

Wakeman Town Farm hosts a range of events year round. Planned for this fall include agricultural-themed activities, cooking classes for children and adults, dinners and pizza nights, as well as “Harvest Fest,” a Sept. 14 food and wine gathering that is the farm’s largest annual fundraiser.

Freelance writer Gretchen Webster, a Fairfield County journalist for many years, was editor of the Fairfield Minuteman and has taught journalism at New York and Southern Connecticut State universities.