Contributed by Mark Austin
After many decades of dreaming, years of planning and fundraising, and an incredible summer of building the Colony Barn at the Musk Ox Farm is ready to open its doors to the public. In 1986 the project moved onto the property that had originally been the Lentz family farm, just outside of Palmer. The Musk Ox Farm occupied the lower level of the original Colony barn where visitors have been welcomed to the property ever since.
The hayloft above remained inaccessible, uninsulated, and partially exposed to the elements. The dream was to create warm, dry, year-round workshop, studio, and classroom space; what has been created is so much more. The gambrel roof was carefully removed from the old structure and set in the parking lot to be brought back into plumb and square after eight-and-a-half decades of wind, earthquakes, and frost heaving. The building below had begun to show its age. The original log structure was deteriorating and the unreinforced concrete foundation that it had been moved onto at some point in its history was cracked and failing.
The plans were to raze the space below to make way for an efficient 21st century building while planning for the old gambrel roof to resume its perch back on top. The new visitor reception, gift shop, and museum are a stunning sight to see. The space is open and airy, and welcomes visitors to spend some time exploring. The farm offices have moved inside this building as well where heating with wood will no longer be required-a huge leap forward in professional capacity. The crown jewel of the project remains the original hayloft of the Colony barn. Walking up the stairs or taking the silo ensconced elevator brings the visitor into this historic gem. Entering the hayloft is like walking back eighty-five years. The gorgeous old-growth Douglas fir trusses and ceilings are truly awe inspiring.
There are modern touches in the lighting, the siding on the pony wall, and the flooring, but the original beauty is absolutely captivating. Filtered light from the original barn wood walls enters the space through a full-length glass curtain wall, allowing the occupants to enjoy from the comfort inside. Step out onto the large deck and take in the beautiful pastures dotted with musk oxen stretching to the tree line with the majestic Chugach mountains framing the incredible view to the south.
On Friday November 22, the Musk Ox Farm will welcome the community for the first public peek at this incredible addition to the Mat Su valley. From 1pm until 7pm the doors will be open for all to come see. There will be a formal ribbon-cutting at 3pm with some brief words to commemorate the new old Colony barn.
