By: Lindsay Barcomb, LEED AP

Simmons' Stables is interlaced in the rich fabric of many great pasts. It's a critical piece of local, state and national history, contributing significantly to the development of Saddlebred history as well as the early history of the African American horseman, Tom Bass.  The great legacy makes it a perfect candidate for a public-private partnership to fund the restoration and conservation of the structure.

Project Funding

In 2002, the Simmons' Stable Preservation Fund was established to protect the Simmons' Stable. Within two years, the Fund secured Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. These tax credits helped spur donations from local, state and national contributors totaling $500,000. Late in 2004, the stable was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Listed as the Arthur Simmons' Stable Historic District, the site was awarded a Save America's Treasures matching grant of $250,000 in 2005.

Implications of Public and Private Funding

Multiple funding sources are a dream for those trying to make the impossible possible, however, they create a unique challenge for the design team. Before a project can begin it's necessary for the project team to understand the heightened level of coordination, analysis and documentation. It's also vital for the project team to develop an acute awareness and sensitivity to expectations.

As a historical landmark, the Simmons' Stable is not only a great historical structure, but also a significant component to local heritage. It is essential for the project team to consider the impact on the local community, as well as their personal ties and expectations. The community of men and women who interacted with these structures in their work, play and daily life becomes a client. While it is often difficult to balance the unique expectations of these individuals, they are a tremendous resource for the design team.

In addition to requiring a heightened sensitivity to local expectations, projects like Simmons' Stable also require a sophisticated level of coordination. Each funding source has its own unique guidelines for documentation and mangement from start to finish. While each party may share similar goals for the ultimate development of the project, each outlines its own responsibilities, means and methods. Funded through multiple entities, the Simmons' Stable had three distinct funding sources each requiring varying levels of management.

The Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits, administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, required minimal documentation and coordination from the design team. The requirements of the tax credits were managed by the Simmons' Stable Preservation Trust and included quarterly reports, a final report and an audit of the project resources.

Comprised of passionate locals, the Simmons' Stable Preservation Trust represented both private and public interests. This team managed the funding resources for the project and served as a compass of local interests and concerns.

The National Parks Service, administrator of the Save America's Treasure grant, was an active participant in the process from start to finish; although, most participation occured in the initial project processes - including documentation and analysis of the Simmons' Stable.

A significant portion of funding administration is tied to the documentation and analysis of the historic structure. this intensive process is perhaps the most significant element of a historical restoration project. Next week, I'll detail the processes behind this careful analysis and documentation of the Simmons' Stable.

If you would like to know more about funding, contact Lindsay directly at lbarcomb@brpae.com or follow these links:

http://www.ded.mo.gov/

http://www.nps.gov/communities/index.htm

http://www.saveamericastreasures.org/

http://www.nps.gov/nr/ 

By: Lindsay Barcomb, LEED AP

Driving down West Boulevard, it's hard to miss the large white stable that sits just 40 yards off the road. Not far from the city square, it's nestled among quiet homes, a bustling elementary school and a scattering of civic structures. Many who reside in Mexico know of the stable's former glory; others who see it in its shambled state, worn by weather and time, must imagine a modest past. Few probable know the complex and fantastic history that surround the once proud Simmons' Stable.

Its story begins in 1887, when the Clark and Potts Combination Sales Company erected the historic structure. Early in its history the stable produced some of the world's finest Saddlebred horses, helping give Mexico its distinction as Saddlebred Horse Capital of the World. Celebrated African American horseman and trainer Tom Bass once worked at the stable, training horses whose lineage can be traced to some of today's finest show horses. Admired both at home and abroad, Tom Bass was invited to demonstrate his artistry in a command performance for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

Even after Tom Bass's time, the stable continued to figure prominently in the horse world. Horses auctioned from the famous stable found notable homes with both recent and past celebrated personalities, including: American Presidents, movie stars like William Shatner and W.F. "Wild Bill" Cody who featured the horses in his Wild West shows.

Today, the stable bears the name of its latest owner, Arthur Simmons. Arthur Simmons purchased the stable in 1943 following a remodel that transformed the stable to the iconic edifice we recognize today.

The Simmons' Stable Preservation Trust, comprised of a small group of passionate locals, was recently established to preserve and restore the Simmons' Stable, its six-acre site and neighboring structures; including two additional stables, a Farrier's shed, a storage shed and two grain bins, and the Arthur Simmons' Residence which sits adjacent to the property. A large component of the Trust's funding for the project came from public funding. Next week, I'll discuss the implications of public and private funding on the historic project and process involved.

For more information, visit the following:

The Simmons' Stable Preservation Fund website; www.saddlebredhalloffame.org

The Audrain Historical Society Museum website; www.audrain.org

Arthur Simmons: American Icon of the Horse World, A Daughter's Memories, Volume One by Jane E. B. Simmons 

By: Lindsay Barcomb, LEED AP

In architecture school, young, aspiring architects dream of the grand projects they’ll someday design; great edifices with Gehry-esque profiles, swooping walls, sailing roofs and space-age materials.  It’s likely that few looked with longing at the aging American pastoral archetype, the barn.  

It may be true that restoring a 120 year-old stable wasn’t on my list of ambitious career pursuits either; however, early in my career I was offered the unique opportunity to visit Mexico, Missouri, home of the Arthur Simmons’ Stable. The dilapidated structure once served as home to the world’s premier Saddlebred trainers and horses, setting its place among America’s little-known history. This project introduced me to the many hats a designer wears and ignited a passion and appreciation for an all but extinct vernacular architecture.

I remember the first time I laid eyes on the Simmons’ Stable. Its condition was dismal at best, yet even in its disrepair, it held a certain beauty and charm. From that moment on, I assumed the role of preservationist, studious researcher and writer, liaison and wannabe Simmons’ Stable warrior. I modeled myself after the fierce likes of Bobette Balser-Wilson, Mary Littrell and Martin Jones, the dedicated advocates who championed the preservation of the Simmons’ Stable, making this unlikely project possible.

In the following weeks I’ll trace my journey through the restoration of the Simmons’ Stable, beginning with the pursuit to familiarize myself with the people, the place and the history of the Simmons’ Stable. I’ll share the unique challenges raised by preservation and restoration design. And I’ll share insight into the integral relationships to a project of this nature.

In addition, we’ll examine the implications of public and private funding, the project’s status as a historical landmark, and the many parties involved in preservation design. With the help of John Miller, structural engineer on the project, we’ll explore the challenges of integrating preservation design and structural design while preserving the integrity of each. And finally, we’ll take a look at the pre-construction and construction processes, including: selection of the contractor, negotiation of the project scope and the meticulous de-construction and construction processes involved in restoration design.

Join me as I relive the journey and share my insights on preservation design. Maybe the next time you drive by one of those beautiful old wooden or stone structures, you’ll see the barn in a whole new light.