Tyler Arboretum Event Venue

IN SERVICE FOR NEARLY 200 YEARS, the Painter Barn is believed to be one of the largest remaining 3-level bank barns in the Delaware Valley. Set within the beautiful environs of the Tyler Arboretum, the barn’s history includes roles as an animal barn, an equipment and hay storage barn, an office, education center, and storage facility. Wanting to secure the longevity and continued purposefulness of the barn, the Arboretum set out to increase the its usability as a public venue. By filling in the open portions of the thrashing floor, sensitively restoring the structure and upgrading electrical, environmental and life safety systems, Tyler Arboretum set the stage for the barn to thrive as a event venue.

A significant challenge of the Tyler Arboretum event venue project was striking the proper balance between preserving and restoring historical aspects of the building while introducing alterations and modernizations required for both the stabilization of the structure as well as for its adaptation to serve new purposes. In addition to the structural and systems elements of the project, the 180-year old original plaster interior surface of the exterior walls was cleaned and preserved to maintain the cracks and patina that provide the rustic charm and 18^th century character that makes this building unique.  Also, where ever possible, existing barn board was reclaimed for use.  Old barn doors were repurposed as movable space dividers, and the original timber frame and roof sheathing were cleaned and left exposed.

The Tyler Arboretum event venue now features event function space for 140 guests (plus an additional 200 guests in an adjoining tent), accessible restrooms, separate cocktail and dinner spaces, a private suite, banquet storage, and kitchen.

2018 WoodWorks Wood Design Award