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Posted on Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 5:58 a.m.

Zingerman's restoring historic barn near Dexter for farm dinners, events space

By Lizzy Alfs

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To drivers traveling on Island Lake Road near Dexter, it might look like one of the county’s most historic barns was torn down in recent weeks.

But in five months, the barn, which likely was constructed in the 1830s, will be re-erected and given new life as an events space for Zingerman’s Community of Businesses.

“This place has a very long legacy in this community,” said Alex Young, managing partner of Zingerman’s Roadhouse in Ann Arbor. “(Our) vision was built around using the barn to celebrate agriculture as it becomes sustainable…it just made all the sense in the world to restore it and have another hundred years or more ahead of it.”

Last summer, Zingerman’s purchased the 27-acre site at 8540 Island Lake Road from the estate of Frances Hoey for $475,000, property records show. Young said he had been eyeing the property for years since it abuts his Cornman Farms operations, which produces vegetables, dairy and meat that are sourced to Zingerman’s Roadhouse.

zingermans_cornman_house.jpg

The house on the property will be renovated to include a large kitchen and dining areas, where Zingerman's can have farm-to-table dinners and other events.

AnnArbor.com file photo

Now, Young and a team of people are renovating the existing house on the Island Lake Road property, restoring the barn, and expanding the Cornman Farms operations.

“It’s going to be a big, beautiful events space for weddings, parties and farm-to-table dinners,” said Pete Sickman-Garner, Zingerman’s marketing manager.

Starting in early March, the barn was dismantled piece-by-piece and the salvageable wood will be cleaned and sent to a barnwright in Ohio called Christian and Son. It will be dated using dendrochronology — tree-ring dating — and Rudy and Laura Christian of Christian and Son will determine the barn’s measurements and exactly how it was assembled more than a century ago. From there, Ann Arbor architect Charles Bultman will work to rebuild the barn.

cornman_farms_whole_barn.jpg

The barn before it was deconstructed.

Courtesy of Zingerman's

Although it’s a lot of work for saving an old barn, the entire team agrees: It’s an essential part of the community and its history.

“I can’t come out here and entertain the concept of taking down an 150-year-old barn without treating it with a good deal of reverence,” Bultman said.

Added Rudy Christian: “It’s a great project. Any time we can be involved in saving a barn that’s over 150-years-old is definitely well worth getting involved with.”

A covered walkway will connect the barn to the house, and the house will be renovated to include an open kitchen for cooking classes, demonstrations and family-style dinners. Rooms in the house will be used for dining and hosting events. Young said the barn will seat about 100 people and the house will seat about 40. The expansion, said Sickman-Garner, also means Zingerman’s will hire additional events staff.

“I think one of the most significant glories of this place is the front yard with 300-year-old trees,” Young said. “In the summertime, people will be sitting (in the house), coming in and out to the porch, and having really cool suppers.”

Since Young already leads school tours at Cornman Farms, there will be smaller gardens installed on the new property for educational use. A goat-milking parlor also was constructed on the site.

Acquiring the property allows Young to grow more produce and double the amount of animals on the site. At this time he has about 60 goats, 30 Tunis sheep, 20 calico sheep, 18 cattle and 150 chickens.

And expanding the farm-to-table concept is something Young feels passionately about: “There is an epidemic of processed food and unhealthy people…it’s mostly because of agricultural practices in our nation,” he said.

“If we can invest some portion of our time in helping to improve that, I think it’s worth it. A cornerstone of the farms’ vision for years has been to just share as much as possible,” he continued.

The barn will be re-erected this summer and the entire project should be completed by spring 2014.

Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.

Comments

Wystan Stevens

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 9:47 p.m.

It's a pity that Zingerman's wasn't doing barn rescue in Dexter thirty years ago. The most unusual 19th century barn in the county at that time stood right across the road, south of the Hoey farm. It was a massive GOTHIC revival structure. I cried when I saw it, right after it had been knocked down. I have some pictures of it before it fell, in case these folks might want to reconstruct it as part of their Dexter farm enterprise.

dexterreader

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 8:20 p.m.

@slave2work ..... agreed. I don't mind the "farm" smell and I fully realize I moved into an agricultural area when I moved here (which btw ..... was waaaay before "Cornman" farms ever existed), but the smell of the garbage pile (a/k/a .... compost pile I guess) can be overpowering. Not to mention that it attracts all kinds of vermin that I'd rather not have around.

slave2work

Mon, Mar 18, 2013 : 2:51 a.m.

exactly!!!... It is horrible

janejane

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 7:41 p.m.

As a long-time Ann Arborite, I appreciate the Zingerman's tale. I love the history of a company born from a young man's dream, who partnered with trusted friends, created a business so many are proud to support and has given so much back to his community. Maybe the prices are high....maybe his projects keep developing...but, I for one, am proud to claim that I live in Zinegrman's "home town" and can buy his goods or patronize his restaurants. Just for once, can people just say "thanks" to a hard-working visionary instead of trying to tear him down? For those of you who find fault with Zingerman's, go somewhere else. But, for me, although I have a shoe-string budget, I know I will always find a much appreciated food gift or special products from Zingerman's. Thank you, Zingerman's!!!

Raggety Andy

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 7:05 p.m.

Zingerman's is taking over the county... Barn by barn!

pooh bear

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 5:50 p.m.

Let's hope that they have consulted with the Barn Again! folks in Lansing who oversee barn restorations all over the state. Maybe they will qualify for one of their awards next year. They seem dedicated to doing their homework and doing it the right way.

slave2work

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 5:48 p.m.

1 problem is those that have lived close by Island-lake road, and Wylie road way before the " farm" went in.. IT STINKS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BAD. You cannot open windows, or sit outside. The township does nothing, So this is to you Mr. chef.. do something for your neighbors!!.. figure out how to stop the smell of manure and such.

slave2work

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 7:17 p.m.

20 years prior to the " zing" being there... they need to do something

An Arborigine

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 7:03 p.m.

Zingdom and Tunisian, darn ipad

An Arborigine

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 7:02 p.m.

Sorry to say, you seem to have purchased in the area to become the Zingdon. Better check Dexter's eminent domain laws, the Tnisian sheep need freer-range for grazing!

C Bultman

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 5:26 p.m.

For those of you who might be curious about some of the facts behind the statements in the article particularly as they relate to some of the above comments. Here are a few things to note. The house was built in 1834, this has been documented. The barn was probably built just before or after the house. We think that the barn pre-dates the Civil War (1861-1865). The barn has evidence that parts were cut with a water powered saw. These saws were replaced with steam driven saws following the Civil War. There is also other evidence we are considering as we try to date the barn. Nevertheless as stated in the article we will use dendrochronology to determine the year the trees were cut which will give us a better idea of its age. If any of you have ever been to the barn you could have seen an 1894 date on the barn's foundation. That was the year this ground barn was converted to have a basement, but the barn is much older than that. With respect to the age of the trees, there is indeed a 42" caliper oak tree near the barn which could be 300 years old but that can only be verified by cutting it down and no one wants to do that. To the comment that "Most trees since they were used to build homes and businesses 200 years ago, cannot be more then 100 years old." This is not true. The shade trees in front of the house are a mix of maples, walnuts and lindens and they are large enough to be about as old as the house or older. They could have been planted when the house was built, which would make them 180 years old. Or they could have been there before the house was built as many are not too close to the building.

McGiver

Mon, Mar 18, 2013 : 9:26 a.m.

Thanks. I was skeptical about the age of the barn but if indeed the house is that old , very possibly the barn is older as this is quite common .

GP

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 8:56 p.m.

It sounds like you are involved in the project. What an exciting job. I am grateful Zings is so involved in the community. Preserving historical farm late and buildings makes me even more happy. I can't wait to visit when the work is done. And family style dinners; I can skip Frankenmuth :-)

Jack Gladney

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 4:48 p.m.

@Goofus Inside Info here: Lizzy will be featuring a huge spread on Goofus' Whine & Subs and all the great things it does for the community and local economy in the next Business Review. Don't tell her I leaked the tip..

Goofus

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 4:38 p.m.

Also, never mentioned in all the kudos constantly bestowed upon Zings for their excellent employee benefits, job security, etc...is that they are notorious "over-hirers"...for every single position they usually do employ, they first "hired" several people for and then cut after one week or less. Their attrition for brand new employees is horrid because they hire many many many people for each open position and then cut them all once they expand or reach equalibrium on whatever project they just started. Most of their workforce for new projects or the seasonal shipping are Temps.

justcary

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 7:26 p.m.

Why are you trying to demonize standard business practices? Were you a rejected hire? The hiring of temps for seasonal work is completely appropriate, yes? As for hiring more people than needed for a project, why not? Instead of paying consultants or managers to screen and train and winnow the list, the practice you call "over hiring" amounts to fully paid auditions, for jobs requiring the right attitude and skillset. Who gets hurt, besides the inept or the undeserving?????

Goofus

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 4:35 p.m.

Wow Zingermans' keeps expanding. We get it. They must have some money left over from not having to advertise as A2dotcom does that for them for free.

joey

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.

It reminds me of the time more than 20 years ago when Zingerman's tried to help our neighbors in the community who were hungry and started Food Gatherers, or when they decided to give 10% of all profits back to non profits in Washtenaw county, or when they started saving 5% of all profits in a "Community Chest" for staff members in need. SHAME ON THEM. What really gets me though, is they're offering DAMN good insurance to hourly staff in an industry that typically offers none and the fact that instead of reducing people's hours to 29 hours per week, so they don't have to even offer insurance, they're trying to find more FULL time people to hire. I also heard … from a neighbor that works there that the partners (owners) donate more than 100 hours a month to more than a dozen charities in the county. WAKE UP PEOPLE! They've been contributing members of the community for over 30 years helping almost anyone in need (food, shelter, financial, legal assistance). There are almost two dozen NON Zingerman's restaurants "that are still open" in Ann Arbor alone, all owned by people who grew up at Zingerman's and still get advice & support and sometimes even funding from Paul & Ari. I guess in the end no matter how good / socially conscience a company like Zingerman's is …the fact remains HATERS GONNA HATE.

An Arborigine

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 6:54 p.m.

I agree, they are organic, free-range good citizens. My issue is with $20 sandwiches, $25 gets you a burger and fries or an apple pie and $8 loaves of bread. I donate to charities of my choice, not again at lunch or dinner.

Homeland Conspiracy

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 6:09 p.m.

You have already posted this! Cut & Paste

justcurious

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 4:30 p.m.

Good post. We can't afford to eat there very often either. But what you said holds. People need to get a clue.

Sam S Smith

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.

I love Zingermans, I go there once a year because of my budget. I thank them for their community service and standards for their employees. The only thing is that I wish that they would hire more people 45 years +.

jcj

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 3:54 p.m.

Will any of the sheep, goats,beef,chickens be on the table?

Homeland Conspiracy

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 2:12 p.m.

farm-to-table dinners @ $300.00+ a plate

An Arborigine

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 3 p.m.

60 goats, 30 Tunis sheep, 20 calico sheep, 18 cattle and 150 chickens all deserve a "thrive-able wage" as well.

Morty Seinfeld

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 1:04 p.m.

Beware.....the Zingerman 's Cult is expanding....."My name is Tanya....and someday the entire world will crave delicious but ridiculously overpriced food."

McGiver

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 12:36 p.m.

Doubtful that the barn is that old. Very doubtful the trees are are 300 years old ?? Not likely. Nonetheless an interesting endeavor.

TinyArtist

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 4:29 p.m.

Although it may scare the bejeebers out of you Ron, this is my brain in its purest form.

justcurious

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 3:36 p.m.

I would agree with you here.

jns131

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 3:35 p.m.

Agreed. Most trees since they were used to build homes and businesses 200 years ago, cannot be more then 100 years old. Zingermans is stretching the truth again.

KateT

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 2:18 p.m.

Educated guess, but the tree with Phillip Wilson looks like an oak. Since they grew slowly, it looks pretty old. 300? Don't know. This project reminds me of that turkey place in Marshall, Michigan, but more elegant.

Ron Burgandy

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 1:53 p.m.

TinyArtist...obviously in your case "As for the trees, they can be turned into papers that can be".....used to roll joints and smoked before posting comments on AnnArbor.com.

TinyArtist

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 1:45 p.m.

Look at the construction! Besides, it probably has a paper trail. As for the trees, they can be turned into papers that can be layered with pigments meant to convince all and sundry of the veracity of their (former) alleged great age. Don't be such a cynic.

arbormike

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 12:54 p.m.

Hard to tell from the photo what kind of trees they are, but they don't look a day over 60. Maybe if you close your eyes and imagine...

TessM

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 12:13 p.m.

If I am reading this correctly, the only piece of property on Island Lake Rd between Dexter-Pinckney and Wiley that the Zingermans combine doesn't own is the corner currently owned by Jennys Farm Market. Somehow I don't think it's a coincidence that Jennys has been targeted by the township for "enhanced scrutiny" the last few years.

huh7891

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 7:09 p.m.

Funny..I read this early this morning and thought the exact same thing.

joey

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 3:52 p.m.

It reminds me of the time more than 20 years ago when Zingerman's tried to help our neighbors in the community who were hungry and started Food Gatherers, or when they decided to give 10% of all profits back to non profits in Washtenaw county, or when they started saving 5% of all profits in a "Community Chest" for staff members in need. SHAME ON THEM. What really gets me though, is they're offering DAMN good insurance to hourly staff in an industry that typically offers none and the fact that instead of reducing people's hours to 29 hours per week, so they don't have to even offer insurance, they're trying to find more FULL time people to hire. I also heard … from a neighbor that works there that the partners (owners) donate more than 100 hours a month to more than a dozen charities in the county. WAKE UP PEOPLE! They've been contributing members of the community for over 30 years helping almost anyone in need (food, shelter, financial, legal assistance). There are almost two dozen NON Zingerman's restaurants "that are still open" in Ann Arbor alone, all owned by people who grew up at Zingerman's and still get advice & support and sometimes even funding from Paul & Ari. I guess in the end no matter how good / socially conscience a company like Zingerman's is …the fact remains HATERS GONNA HATE.

justcurious

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 3:35 p.m.

The conspiracy theory is ridiculous. Mr. Hoey has simply done everything possible to antagonize the Dexter community for the last 40 years. His chickens have finally come home to roust and people have had enough of his shenanigans. Zingerman's has nothing to do with that - he does. There is no vendetta against him...he brings it all down upon himself.

jns131

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 3:33 p.m.

I hate to say it, but I totally agree with this conspiracy theory. Can we say imminent domain?

Homeland Conspiracy

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 2:10 p.m.

Like I've been saying this whole time "someone" big wants his land BADLY

Mr. Ed

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 1:32 p.m.

Targeted no but I would say the owner has a big target on his back for the way he conducts business with the public and local government.

Brad

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 12:24 p.m.

Resistance is futile.

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