MENDHAM, NJ — Work is underway to restore a roughly 200-year-old barn in Mendham Borough, with plans to transform the historic structure into a seasonal nature center and wildlife viewing facility.
The Borough of Mendham has secured nearly $1.35 million in grant funding for the restoration of the Cary Farm Barn, which dates to around 1825 and sits on property now preserved as open space.
Construction on the project has begun, Mayor James Kelly announced.
Once completed, the barn is expected to operate as a three-season facility and nature center, including a viewing area where visitors can watch wildlife in the surrounding fields. Borough officials envision the property as both an educational and recreational destination highlighting Mendham's agricultural history and natural environment.
More Than $1.3M Secured
The borough has received five grants through the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund since 2020.
The first funded a comprehensive historic preservation plan for the barn. Additional rehabilitation and stabilization grants followed in 2022, 2023, 2025 and 2026.
Together, the county grants total $914,644, according to the borough.
Mendham also received a $434,845 grant from the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund in 2025, bringing the total grant funding secured for the project to $1,349,489.
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The restoration was initially envisioned by Mendham's Joint Environmental Commission, Open Space and Tree Commission, known as ECOSST, and has also been a priority for board President Eric Arena, according to the borough.
A Barn Dating To The 1820s
The Cary Farm Barn was originally built around 1825 by Stephen Cary. The barn and surrounding property remained in the Cary family for generations before the Scott family owned the site from 1977 until 2015.
Mendham Borough later acquired the property to permanently preserve the land as open space.
Now, roughly two centuries after the barn was constructed, officials hope its next chapter will combine historic preservation with public access and environmental education.
"We look forward to seeing this important piece of Mendham's history restored and reimagined for future generations," Kelly said.
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