The Littleton-Kingen Round Barn Repair Story
A remarkable restoration of Indiana's largest round barn after it suffered damage from a tornado. Built in 1900 and serving generations of the Kingen family, this historic barn faced the possibility of demolition following the storm. Our team worked with stakeholders to build a project that focused on preserving the barn's legacy while reinforcing it for future resilience. This video highlights the barn’s significance, both as an iconic piece of Indiana’s agricultural history and a treasured family monument.
The Littleton-Kingen Round Barn, located in McCordsville, Indiana, stands as the largest round barn in the state and a testament to the rich agricultural heritage of the region. Built in 1900, the barn has been a central part of the Kingen family's farming operations for over a century. In 2020, however, a powerful tornado struck the barn, causing significant damage. Thanks to expert restoration efforts, this iconic structure has been saved and reinforced for future generations with removable and non-destructive methods.
A Historic Monument
The Littleton-Kingen Round Barn is more than just a farm building; it is an enormous monument to Indiana’s agricultural past. Built by the Kingen family’s ancestors, the barn originally housed cattle, hogs, and hay, serving the farming needs of the time. It stood as a symbol of resilience, with the same family farming the land for over five generations. By 2020, the barn had become a historical landmark, retaining its majestic place on the landscape while bearing the marks of its many years of use.
Tornado Damage and the Need for Restoration
In 2020, the barn was hit by a tornado that caused extensive damage. While the roof was torn apart, windows shattered, and walls flared outward, the structure remained standing. The Kingen family quickly realized that if the barn was to survive, immediate action was necessary. They enlisted the help of the Indiana Barn Foundation and Rick Collins, a renowned expert in timber-frame restoration, to formulate the massive repair project.
Restoration Practice
Rick Collins and his team approached the project with care, focusing on both preserving the barn’s historic integrity and adding needed engineering upgrades to ensure it could withstand future storms. The solution settled on was flexible, non damaging, and removable, leaving the door open for future preservation work or technological advances. Modern materials with engineering and economic advantages like LVLs (Laminated Veneer Lumber) were used. Chevron bracing was added, building up a system of badly needed redundancy. A new foundation pad, foundation ring wall repairs, and shear walls were also incorporated, providing a more robust base for the barn to sit on. The restoration efforts were designed not only to repair the damage but also to expand the barn’s resiliancy.
Preserving Family Legacy
For the Kingen family, and their community, the restoration of the barn was deeply personal. The barn represents more than just a building—it is a link to their shared past. The restoration allowed the family to preserve a piece of their heritage, ensuring that the barn will continue to be a part of their story for years to come. It is a symbol of resilience.
The Littleton-Kingen Round Barn is a vital piece of Indiana’s farming history, and its restoration highlights the importance of preserving historic structures. Thanks to the efforts of many, this round barn will continue to stand as a monument to the past, while also serving future generations. The project serves as a reminder of the value of heritage and the importance of maintaining connections to the past, even in the face of natural disasters.