1 year ago, the barn was just a barn & the shop was just a vision.

One year ago in October 2024, the barn was just a barn and the shop was just a vision. We're excited to share our journey with you! Stay tuned over the next few months as we reveal more pictures & more stories!

Just a Barn in Fall 2024

Last year, it was just a barn. But not just a barn - It was the "Townsend Auction Barn"! I saw potential for my shop and to pivot my operations for Townsend Draft Goods from. So, I started conversations with Mitch, the carpenter, who could make my vision a reality. Walking through the barn and talking through the plan, he agreed that it would be a "project." And took it on.

In this picture, the view is from the inside of looking West before the concrete floor and two rooms were built. Note that grandma's desk is in the picture, which remains in the shop today - as my desk! 

Inside Townsend Draft Goods barn during renovations 2024 before the shop
In this picture, the wall was cut for equipment to navigate the concrete pour. The hole became the double-door entry and the single door on the left became a single window next to the new double-door. 
Renovations in 2024 for the electric barn at Townsend Draft Goods

Planning & Clean Out - October 2024

During the month of October, I cleaned out the barn and met with Mitch to plan out the interior of the shop. Even though the barn was filled with remnants of farm & auction life from the previous 20 years, I was tenacious with my vision. Construction was to begin in November.
In this picture, I am sitting at my grandmother's desk with Lucy, making plans for renovations.
Raven Townsend planning out Townsend Draft Goods operations location in the barn

The Beginning

After the first phase of the barn reno was completed with cement floor, and construction of  two enclosed rooms, I removed debris and prepped the shop area for interior construction. 
In this picture, I snapped it after removing 10 truck loads of stuff and trash that included dead birds, snake skins, mice feces, and other barn debris!
Barn renovations in 2024 for Townsend Draft Goods

Stay tuned for more 1-Year Look Backs

I'll be posting more look backs as we reach our 1-year marks. Stay tuned!
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