Westwind Barn will officially reopen Sunday, April 18, 2010, newly renovated, energy efficient and seismically safe.

To mark the occasion, the town is holding an Earth Day celebration beginning at 1 p.m. that will feature a dedication ceremony, wild animal shows, guided tours of the barn's new features, wine tasting and vendor booths. (Click here for details)

The barn has an entirely new foundation and the structure has been reinforced. The barn also has a new roof, bathrooms that are now handicap-accessible, and a host of other improvements.

Many of the improvements are meant to make the barn more energy efficient, and the town is applying for LEED certification.

With a new "cool roof," photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, water conservation features and other environmentally friendly additions, the town expects the barn to produce all the energy it needs to operate. Kerr said the town believes it will be the first LEED-certified working barn in the country.

 

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