SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY - From the outside the Octagon Barn catches the attention of those driving or cycling by on lower Higuera Street near San Luis Obispo.
The true grandeur of the historic landmark can be seen from the inside where the years of preservation work can be appreciated.
"They were popular in the Midwest, there were lots built there and they were encouraged", says B.K. Richard of the Land Conservancy of SLO County, "by the time that movement came to California only a very few were built and we think there are only three remaining in California and this one will be the only one with a true civic purpose."
The plan now is to get county approval to transform the Octagon Barn, built in 1900, into a museum, educational center and a venue for private and public events.
"We see movies happening here, plays perhaps, dances, some weddings, reunions", Richard says, "all kinds of things we think will be very effective in this space."
Part of the plan is to turn a milking barn into an educational museum.
"It's a primary purpose of the second building here we call the milking parlor", Richard says, "we want it to be a museum and educational center."
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is seeking a permit from the county in order to make the Octagon Barn conversion a reality.
"A permit to develop the site further, to bring parking, water, bathrooms here", Richard says, "not only make it an event space for the citizens but also a trailhead for the Bob Jones bicycle trail."
The Land Conservancy goes to the SLO County Planning Commission for its permit request on Thursday.
