🏗️ Historic Barn Renovation Project – Status Update

As of July 5, 2025

The Nepal Education and Cultural Center (NECC) is advancing its vision to restore and repurpose a historic barn on its 16.83-acre Germantown property. Originally constructed in 1930, this barn reflects the area’s agricultural heritage and is being revitalized as a multifunctional community space aligned with NECC’s mission to promote Nepali language, culture, and heritage.

🏛️ Historic and Architectural Significance

  • Built as a double corn crib barn with central bay and flanking sheds.

  • Recognized by the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission (MC HPC) for its cultural value.

  • Features original timber frame, plank siding, and farm-style barn doors.

🎯 Project Goals

NECC plans to rebuild the barn as a gathering space for:

  • Cultural programs and events

  • Language and arts workshops

  • Intercultural community activities for Nepalese Americans, Asian Pacific Islanders, and county residents

Planned occupancy:

  • Up to 299 persons (lecture-style)

  • Up to 99 persons (dining-style)

🧱 Scope and Design Approach (Updated)

Due to structural deterioration, the project will follow a full demolition and rebuild strategy with historical preservation in mind.

Highlights include:

  • Complete deconstruction of the existing barn

  • Construction of a new foundation to address slope and support modern usage

  • Reuse of 40–50% of original materials, including wood and architectural elements

  • Preservation of roof profile and original exterior appearance, honoring the barn’s historic form

  • Design to meet modern building codes and accessibility standards

This approach enables NECC to preserve the look and spirit of the original barn while creating a safe and flexible space for future use.

🏗️ Project Delivery Method

The project will be delivered in phases, depending on budget and timeline. With the exteiror work completed in phase 1 and interior in phase 2.

📸 Project Visuals

🔷 Exterior Rendering


A new vision rooted in historical character—maintaining roofline and barn form

🔷 Interior Seating Layout


Lecture-style layout designed for 299 occupants, featuring accessible entrance, flexible stage area, and breakout spaces

📅 Timeline

  • Total Duration: 3 years

  • Target Completion: September 2026

  • Managed by: NECC volunteer project leadership team

🔍 Current Status (as of August 15, 2025)

✅ Permit Applications Submitted

  • Submitted to both the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) and the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

🔄 Reviews in Progress

  • Zoning reviewers at DPS are currently reviewing the permit package

  • HPC hearing is scheduled for September 3, 2025

🛠️ Next Steps

  • Await outcome of HPC hearing and final zoning comments

  • Prepare for construction scheduling and contractor selection following approvals

🤝 Support the Project

Join us in preserving history and building a cultural center for the future.

👉 Click here to donate and contribute to this transformational community project.