Robert Wilkening paid thousands to move a historic barn out of developers’ path about 25 years ago. Now, he says, suburban growth is threatening it again.
Why it matters: The case highlights the tension between preserving future street connections and protecting older structures in the path of metro expansion.
Catch up quick: The barn was built about a century ago near Hickman and Alice roads, in what is now a high-traffic retail and business area.
- Wilkening relocated it to his 45-acre property, about 5 miles away, in the 26000 block of V. Avenue, in an unincorporated area that’s now on the edge of Waukee and Urbandale.
Friction point: The plat of Bentley Ridge West, an Urbandale development, includes plans for a dead end near his property line that could eventually connect to future developments.
- Wilkening says an extension to the road would run through his barn and wants it shifted about 100 feet east to allow future access without jeopardizing the structure.
Reality check: There are no pending eminent domain actions or requirements that would necessitate relocating or demolishing the barn.
Groundwork for the Bentley Ridge West housing development is underway near the barn owned by Robert Wilkening. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios
Yes, but: Wilkening, 78, says redirecting the road before final approval would help protect the barn when he or his family someday sells the property…