Generations of young islanders have swiped paint brushes across the bleached boards of the “old barn” on Orcas Road. Now, at 85 years old, the structure is in desperate need of replacement.

“The senior class paints it every year,” said landowner Marlace Hughes, whose family has always allowed the barn to be used for this community purpose. “I didn’t realize how many people love the barn there and like to see it when they drive by. It’s part of Orcas Island’s character.”

The barn’s roof is sagging and the entire structure is leaning heavily to one side. At the start of each school year, seniors paint colorful murals in honor of their graduating class.

When high school junior Devon Stanzione heard that it would not be safe to paint for his senior class this fall, he took action. For his senior project, Stanzione plans to tear down the barn, draw up plans for a new building and construct it with the help of five friends.

“The paint is the only thing holding it up,” Stanzione said. “I want to get this done before homecoming next fall so my class can paint it.”

He has enlisted the help of Steve Kline and Gregg Bronn, who will lend their expertise when needed. The barn is currently 13 feet by 23 feet.

“Gregg has really helped me a lot,” he said. “He gave me tips on materials and drawing up the plans.”

Stanzione hopes to start demolishing the barn by July. One fundraising idea is to sell pieces of the historic building. Any money raised would go towards buying materials for the new structure.

Marlace and her husband Rick are happy to see the barn get new life.

“I don’t want to see it go, it’s fun for everyone to have this,” she said. “It’s comical, I’ve either had horses down there and goats and it’s so funny to see the kids get over the fence. I enjoy it. It is so different every year.”