Members of the Roper family and the South Lyon Historical Society told the City Council on Aug. 25 they intend the donated Roper Barn to be reconstructed and interpreted as part of the city’s historic village rather than converted to an events rental or activity building.

Robert Polaski, identified himself as secretary and deputy treasurer of the South Lyon Historical Society, said fundraising for the Roper Barn project began in 2022 and the society has raised $45,000 to date. “Any desire to change the intended purpose of the reconstructed barn would go against the wishes of the Historical Society members and our donors,” Polaski said.

A second speaker representing the South Lyon Historical Commission described the barn’s dimensions and interior plan: the barn measures 30 by 20 by 22 feet, about 660 square feet; planned interior work would reconstruct original horse stalls, hay shoots and tack racks, which the presenter said would leave insufficient space for event rentals.

Larry Roper, a family member, said the barn was donated by his late brother and their intention was to preserve items and agricultural history: “it was never our intention to have this commercialized,” he said, and he asked that the restored barn be used for display to commemorate earlier farming life in the area.

City staff earlier noted plans to relocate and reconstruct the barn in the historic village; staff said they will present contractor proposals to council after they secure at least one contractor proposal and complete permitting and architectural review.

Council members who spoke thanked the family and commissioners for their remarks and said they would seek a resolution acceptable to stakeholders. No formal council action was taken at the meeting on the barn’s program or use; the public comments were recorded during the public-comment period.