Free: This Michigan Barn Can Be Yours – And, Yes, There's A Catch

FARMINGTON, MI – A barn dating back to the early 1890s along Grand River Avenue may not be the most beautiful structure, but it's chock full of character – and it's free to anyone who wants it. The catch? Whoever takes it, has to move it by early March, says a local architectural preservation group.

The property, which includes the barn and an 1890s house, was recently sold, said Preservation Farmington in a post on Facebook. And, unless someone takes the barn, both buildings will be razed to make way for a parking lot to serve a new Japanese steakhouse on an adjacent property. It is not clear what is to happen to the house.

"The property owner has said that if someone wants the barn and is willing to pay to move it, it's theirs free of charge," wrote officials at Preservation Farmington. They noted the barn is in "solid condition."

"It's a cool building: two stories, high ceiling, three horse stalls (each with its own window), original grain chute," according to the post. "While it's bigger than a shed, it's not as big as some barns are, which will make it easier to move."

The barn measures 24 feet by 20 feet, and has an extra one-story addition. The barn is 30 feet tall at its highest point.

Reactions to the Facebook post have been mixed between those people outraged that it could be torn down to make room for a parking lot and other people wanting information on how they can get it.

"I will boycott this restaurant because of what they're doing to the historic buildings in downtown Farmington," commented one person on Facebook. "I hope more residents will do the same."

Another person commented, "I am so disappointed in the community of Farmington for allowing this to happen. Tear down a barn for a restaurant parking lot?"

Preservation Farmington did not immediately respond to an in inquiry from Patch. If people are interested in the barn, the organization's Facebook post suggests they send an email to preservationfarmington@gmail.com or comment or message message via the Facebook post below.

Photos courtesy of Preservation Farmington