Gilbert Barn Begins Third Life As Craftsmen Marketplace
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A relic of the East Valley’s agricultural past will start a new life today.
The 12,000-square-foot cylindrical metal barn in Gilbert will re-open as a craftsman marketplace called Barnone.
The barn’s first life began in the 1950s when it was built from melted-down World War II aircraft. It’s been used to store grain and farming equipment.
“A lot of times my Grandpa will say he wishes he tore it down, but we’re super happy he did not,” said William Johnston, business manager for Johnston Properties.
A dozen businesses including restaurants, bars, a florist, salon, gunsmith and paper studio inhabit the former barn.
Four of the businesses are owned by Jim Johnston’s descendants.
“For us, it was trusting that what we’re doing is not only best for our family, but for the makers in here and for the community itself,” William Johnston said.
Barnone is part of Agritopia, an agriculture-meets-suburbs community in Gilbert. The property’s commercial ventures already included a restaurant, farm stand and coffee shop.
The crafter’s marketplace enticed several businesses to open their first brick-and-mortar locations. That includes Mireille Helm, who owns Everybody Loves Flowers.
She focused on bridal flower arrangements, but her space at Barnone includes jewelry and other gifts.
“I think what I really love about it is all of the businesses in here, we are craftsmen, we are very passionate about our craft,” Helm said.
Barnone's grand opening is today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The businesses at Barnone include:
- Everybody Loves Flowers
- LetterCraft
- Prickly Pear Papers
- The Uprooted Kitchen
- 12West Brewing
- Fire & Brimstone
- Garage East
- Wander salon
- Final Assembly
- Johnston Machine Company
- Johnston Arms
