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Sudden Valley board weighs repairing Barn 8 or rebuilding Barn 6 as new county creek buffer rules loom
Summary
Board members and staff discussed cost estimates for repairing Barn 8 and whether to reconfigure or rebuild Barn 6 to create a safer, more usable facility. Engineers' estimates for Barn 8 total roughly $3.8 million including contingencies; county critical‑area buffer proposals could limit rebuilding options if the board waits.
The board discussed structural repairs and redevelopment options for the Sudden Valley recreation barns after engineering estimates for Barn 8 reached roughly $3.8 million when certain additional items are included.
"The 2.9 million with the 20% contingency is the number PNW retired and presented at the December meeting," Michael (general manager) said, then explained an additional $882,000 of items from the structural evaluation that push a combined project estimate toward $3.8 million.
Board members and committee chairs discussed alternatives, including repairing Barn 8 in place versus investing in a new, sprinklered and code‑compliant building on the Barn 6 footprint or moving Barn 6 to another parcel. Several directors said the county is proposing to expand creek‑buffer setbacks from 150 to 200 feet, and that change could affect whether a rebuilt structure would be grandfathered or allowed in the same location.
Long‑range planning chair Ray said the committee would be involved in further review; multiple directors urged the board to prioritize decisions because the county process could move quickly.
Why it matters: Barn facilities are central to programming, rentals and revenue for Sudden Valley. The board must weigh near‑term repair costs for Barn 8 against a potentially longer, more flexible capital vision centered on Barn 6 — but county critical‑area proposals could restrict options if the board delays.
Details from the meeting: Michael listed major work items driving cost — HVAC and ERV systems, electrical supply, flat‑roof replacement, new windows and doors, covered‑bridge replacement and siding/insulation. He said destructive testing showed insulation behind siding and budgeted $25,000–$30,000 to replace it if needed. He also presented a plan view showing a proposed 200‑foot buffer crossing the Barn 8 footprint.
Board members raised use cases for a rebuilt Barn 6, including wedding rentals and concession space; directors noted a sprinklered, code‑compliant barn could be rented more broadly, including events that serve alcohol, which the current structure cannot support without fire suppression. Several directors favored more analysis of moving or resizing buildings before committing to expensive work on Barn 8.
Next steps: staff and the long‑range planning committee will review options and prioritization; directors discussed convening special meetings or commissioning consultants to refine costs and siting before a formal capital decision.
