Hayden, Idaho: The Hayden City Council has directed staff to continue developing a request for proposals (RFP) for a master plan that would guide the future adaptive reuse of the historic Stoddard Barn.
Following discussion at its July 14 meeting, the council reached consensus to have staff refine the draft RFP with assistance from the Historic Preservation Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission before bringing the document back to the council. Because the agenda item was presented to gather policy direction, no formal vote was taken.
According to City Administrator Lisa Ailport, the Stoddard Barn was identified by the council during its strategic planning process as a long-term priority. Staff prepared the draft RFP as the first step toward creating a community-driven master plan for the historic structure.
“The city seeks to convert the barn into a flexible space for events, community gatherings, and recreational programming while honoring its integrity and historic elements,” the draft RFP states.
Planning Before Construction
Ailport told the council the proposed master plan would not authorize construction. Instead, it would establish a long-term vision for the property, identify possible future uses, estimate project costs and create a roadmap that could be used to pursue grant funding and other financial assistance.
She noted that funding is often available for construction projects but is much harder to obtain for planning. Developing a master plan would better position the city to compete for future grants.
If the council ultimately approves issuing the RFP, the selected consultant would be asked to:
Evaluate the barn’s structural condition and building systems.
Identify historic features that should be preserved.
Review building code, accessibility and safety requirements.
Gather input from residents, stakeholders and city staff.
Develop conceptual design options for future uses.
Prepare cost estimates, funding recommendations and phased implementation strategies.
Produce a comprehensive master plan for the facility.
The draft RFP calls for consultants with experience in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, community facility planning and public engagement.
Historic Structure Has Been Secured
During the discussion, Ailport reminded council members that the city has already completed wildlife rehabilitation work at the barn, removing animals that had occupied the building and sealing the structure to prevent further damage.
The house on the property has been converted into a restaurant, and a former garage previously served as the Parks Department offices before staff relocated. The barn itself remains largely unused.
Funding Questions Raised
Council members asked about the potential cost of hiring a consultant and how the planning effort would be funded.
Ailport estimated the planning work could cost between $50,000 and $100,000, based on similar master planning projects completed by the city. She emphasized that no consultant has been selected and no project cost has been established.
Staff has proposed using park impact fees to fund the planning effort. Ailport said those funds are intended for park-related improvements and planning and must be used within established time limits.
Council members also discussed balancing the planning effort with other park priorities, including McIntire Family Park and recently acquired park property. Ailport said staff believes sufficient park impact fee funding is available for the planning work while continuing to advance other projects.
Next Steps
Under the direction provided Tuesday, staff will work with the Historic Preservation Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission to refine the draft RFP.
Representatives from both commissions are expected to serve on a future steering committee if the city hires a consultant. Once the draft RFP has been reviewed and updated, it will return to the City Council for consideration before proposals are solicited.
Resource Documents
The following public documents were included in the July 14, 2026, Hayden City Council meeting packet and are available for residents who wish to review the source materials.