The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County will unveil significant revision to its Octagon Barn Center conceptual plan on the 4th of July, thanks to professional support from Westland Engineering, Donatello Designs, Lisa Wise Consulting, and RRM Design.

"We feel that this restoration is in keeping with the SLO Chamber's Economic Vision in many ways, particularly in the idea of protecting the genuine San Luis Obispo," said Bob Hill, The Land Conservancy's executive director. "This unique, historic structure is located just outside of the city limits and is a gateway into San Luis Obispo. It can identify SLO as a unique place as it sits at the edge of the city and the country."

This Sunday, an "Open House" at the Octagon Barn will engage locals and visitors in its future vision to transform the site for community use.

Docents will provide behind-the-scenes tours of the restoration of the barn and the plans for the future Octagon Barn Center from 1 to 4 p.m.

Tours commence on the half hour with the last tour beginning at 3:30.

The Land Conservancy project leaders will also reveal a new conceptual plan which provides detail about the Bob Jones Pathway trailhead, an overall general landscaping vision, and the character and placement of accessory buildings. 

Visitors can see firsthand a variety of recent enhancements including updated electrical work, concrete entrance pads, new safety doors, and a large-scale hand-painted mural by renowned local artist Carol Paulsen.

The restoration of the Octagon Barn has been a community effort that has involved many people and local businesses. Literally thousands of volunteer hours have helped repair the barn piece by piece, making this project one of the Land Conservancy's most popular efforts.

The Land Conservancy’s Octagon Barn Center will be a community gathering place to promote local agriculture, history, recreation and sustainability and will significantly enhance the existing rural and conserved landscapes that define San Luis Obispo County.

The Octagon Barn is located at 4400 Octagon Way (formerly 4595 S. Higuera St.) in San Luis Obispo, Calif. A suggested $5 donation per person ($10 per family) may be made at the door.

The Land Conservancy estimates that an additional $250,000 worth of work and materials is needed to realize its vision of a historic but usable public amenity. 

Donations from the public are requested in addition to in-kind support from local businesses to cover the funding gap. Naming opportunities and donor benefits have been established. To view the Octagon Barn's landscape plan, click here.

More info is available at www.OctagonBarn.org.