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Manhattan Chamber Hears What Round Barn Means for Business
» Mary Bernhard - Manhattan American - 10.23.08


Park Board President Jim Popp spoke before Manhattan Chamber of Commerce members last week talking about what the Baker/Koren Round Barn Farm and Museum can mean to the business community in the future.

"The park district is like a business," Popp said. "Staff has done an incredible job."

"It has been a long time coming since we started this project in 2001," Popp explained. "With the October 2008 grand opening you have to say it's worth it."

Popp also said there was still much work ahead. "We have quotes of over $1 million to renovate the large round barn and $800,000 for the smaller one," Popp said.

Park Director Julie Kurczewski talked of what the property could mean for area businesses.

"We can now qualify for tourism and museum grants to get signs on the expressways," Kurczewski said. "What it is going to bring to us is community awareness."

"Our legislators are so proud of this," Kurczewski said. "The Illinois Historical Society was present at all of our meetings downstate as well."

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Just to name a few uses, Kurczewski said the property can host weddings and corporate events to start.

"The Threshermen's Show has approached us," Kurczewski said. "I walked through the parking lot at their last show and saw license plates from all over the Midwest."

"This is going to be one of Manhattan's identities," Mayor Bill Borgo added. "People will say, 'Oh that is where the Round Barn is.'"

Borgo added that gas stations, restaurants and stores will reap rewards.

When asked if there could be future camping facilities or revenue-generating cabins on the property, Kurczewski said no.

"The buildings don't fit the theme of the farm," Kurczewski said. "We are working with the Manhattan Historical Society since the Round Barn is at the center of Manhattan's history."

Kurczewski added the Historical Society needed a home for much of the memorabilia saved throughout the Manhattan's history.

"We are thinking perhaps the Koren house would be a good fit," Kurczewski said. She added the house may also make a great bed and breakfast in the future.

"We don't put any good ideas away," Kurczewski said.

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