The Little Building That Could

The Swede Run barn is in bad shape.

Its sandstone, brick and mortar walls are cracked. Its wood parts have deteriorated beyond redemption. Its roof lets in more water than it keeps out, and roof tiles suspected of containing asbestos have fallen to the ground, making the site a potential health hazard.

Moorestown Township officials have said that the $160,000 price tag to restore the barn is , and that it must be torn down unless another solution can be found.

But the little building, which has stood sentinel over the Swede Run Fields off Westfield Road for more than 150 years, has a special place in the hearts of many residents.

So during a break in the weather Monday, a Who’s Who of Moorestown contractors and restoration experts met at the site with members of the to see what can be done.

Sue Poaletti, who is coordinating the project, is optimistic that the restoration can be completed within a year. She commended the professionals and contractors who have offered their services.

They include Paul Canton Jr. of ; Larry Tait of ; Kimberly Bunn of Bunn Architecture; engineer Tom Kulp of PMH Associates; builder Dave Schill, and mason George Bobb.

 “In this economy, for these professionals to step up and offer their time, talents, expertise, tools, and possibly work crews for this restoration project is extremely generous and greatly appreciated,” said Poaletti. “Each of these people bring critical skills and knowledge to the table. We couldn't achieve our goal without them.”

Bunn and Kulp will present their plans to township Construction Supervisor Steve Holmes for his approval, said Poaletti, a process she anticipates will take two to three weeks.

“Once we have approval, and enough money raised, we can begin,” said Poaletti. “The plan is to build it as close to historically accurate as possible, while also making it structurally secure and safe.”

Julie Maravich of the Historical Society of Moorestown said $12,000 is needed to get the project started. To date, the historical society has collected $650 in donations.

“I’m hoping some local businesses will step up and sponsor us,” said Maravich. “The township has given us just 12 months to make significant progress.”

The township has said they will waive permit fees and assist where possible, including setting up a protective fence around the site, but they will not be contributing any money to the project, said Poaletti.

Not much is known about the history of the barn, which sits on a 133-acre parcel purchased by the township in 2002 with open space funds.

According to the Historical Society, the first record of the building appears on a map of Burlington County from 1849. Bricked over windows suggest it might once have been a dwelling, although its use probably changed over time.

Donations by check should be made out to The Historical Society of Moorestown with “barn restoration” on the memo line. Donations should be mailed to Julie Maravich, 660 Chester Ave., Moorestown, NJ 08057.