Point Reyes Light- October 8, 1998

Lions put Red Barn up for sale

West Marin Lions Club has decided to sell the Red Barn in Point Reyes Station.

One of two community centers in the small town, the Red Barn was built in 1920 as an engine house for the Northwestern Pacific Railroad.

The Lions hope the facility can continue to be used by the community "while providing income to the new owners for necessary capital improvements and ongoing maintenance," noted a statement issued by Suzanne Rocca, president of the club.

"Proceeds from the sale of the property would be held in trust to be used for scholarships, community and Lions projects, grants, and small loans to local nonprofits and needy community residents - and for the seed of a community foundation for worthwhile community projects."

The Lions hope West Marin residents will work with them to find a new owner. Anyone willing to serve on a committee to help determine the future of the building can call Lions vice president Don Pidd at 663-8281.

Pidd on Friday told The Light the Lions Club no longer has enough members - especially members with building skills - to keep maintaining the building.

Besides a large hall and parking lot, a barbecue area and a bar, the Red Barn has a kitchen currently rented by Ferrari and Labao Catering and a radio studio rented by KWMR. Horizon Cable TV rents space for satellite dishes outside the building.

On the west side of the barn is a large shed used for livestock exhibits during Western Weekend but inhabited by bats the rest of the year, said Pidd.

Although the Red Barn needs extensive restoration, it is by far the largest hall around Tomales Bay, and as such it is used for wedding receptions, elementary school graduations, dances, and other major events.

Pidd said the Lions hope such activities can continue in the building, and if a buyer agrees, the price will be lower than if the building is sold merely for commercial use.

Using admittedly rough numbers, Pidd said that if a nonprofit bought the Red Barn for $250,000, a commercial buyer would have to pay almost twice that much.

Readers can email suggestions to RedBarn@west-marin.com or visit the Lions' website at www.west-marin.com/wmw/weblions.htm on the Internet.

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