On Nov. 12 the Sunnyvale City Council approved the relocation of the barn from San Jose to Sunnyvale. The barn would fit the Sunnyvale City Council's past direction that Orchard Heritage Park be maintained as a "working orchard."

"It would be a perfect site—both visually and functionally," said Laura Babcock, chairwoman of the Sunnyvale Historical Society and Museum Association, at the meeting.

On June 25, Carla Bianchi, a San Jose resident, donated the 1918 barn, which was used by her family for many decades in the orchard business. In addition, Bianchi donated $350,000 to the city for the relocation and future maintenance of the barn.

The historical society, a nonprofit organization, could negotiate prices for services and make the move more cost-effective than if the city should take the lead, according to the staff report. However, the city will reimburse the society for all incurred costs.

"A lot of details have to be taken care of now," Babcock said after the meeting.

She said the society will begin preparing plans and entering into necessary contracts to accomplish the move and necessary upgrades. The society hopes to complete the move and establish the barn before May 2003, Babcock added.

The barn sits on county land now and to move it out will require a permit, she said. It will first have to be dismantled into parts, moved to the Sunnyvale site and then reassembled after strengthening the structure and laying a new foundation.

Establishing the barn on the site is the first step of the heritage park project.

The project calls for a museum building that resembles the old Martin Murphy home amidst a working fruit orchard in order to reflect the agricultural history of Sunnyvale.

"The heritage center could be viewed and preserved for future generations," said Joe Manfrey, chairman of the Sunnyvale Parks and Recreation Commission.

An estimated $2 million is required to complete and maintain the heritage center. Babcock said fundraising efforts have already begun.