Fire Closes Freeman’s Farm in Genoa Township, But the Historic Barn Was Spared
If you live around Lewis Center, Westerville or Genoa Township, there's a good chance you've driven past Freeman's Farm on Lewis Center Road.
And if you've been excited to see this historic property preserved and transformed into a community park, this week's news was difficult to see.
A late-night fire on Monday, August 24, destroyed a township storage building at Freeman's Farm in Genoa Township, temporarily closing the property while officials investigate what happened.
But there are two pieces of very good news.
No one was injured.
And the historic barn at Freeman's Farm was not damaged.
For a property with more than 150 years of local history, that second piece of news feels especially significant.
What Happened at Freeman’s Farm?
The Genoa Township Fire Department was dispatched to Freeman's Farm at 6142 Lewis Center Road at approximately 10:50 p.m. Monday.
According to Delaware Source, the initial 911 call described what appeared to be a grass fire. Additional calls quickly made it clear that firefighters were dealing with a structure fire, and the response was upgraded.
The storage building was fully engulfed.
Firefighters focused on containing the blaze and protecting the surrounding buildings. The fire was extinguished around 1:30 a.m., with crews leaving the scene around 3 a.m.
By Tuesday morning, the storage facility had been reduced to debris.
The building housed township equipment including snowplow blades, tractor attachments, fencing and timber.
Multiple Local Fire Departments Responded
This was also another reminder of how our local fire departments work together when a significant emergency happens.
Genoa Township received mutual aid from multiple surrounding agencies, including departments serving Harlem Township, Westerville, Orange Township, Berlin Township and other nearby communities, along with Delaware County EMS and Box 15.
Thankfully, no civilians or firefighters were injured.
That's the most important part of this entire story.
The Historic Barn Was Saved
When I first saw the news that there had been a major fire at Freeman's Farm, this was immediately what I wanted to know.
What happened to the historic barn?
Genoa Township officials confirmed that it was not affected by the fire.
That's particularly meaningful because Freeman's Farm isn't simply another piece of township property.
It represents generations of Genoa Township history.
More Than 150 Years of Local History
The Freeman family owned the property for five generations, dating back to 1868.
Think about how much Central Ohio has changed since then.
Lewis Center wasn't Lewis Center as we know it today.
There weren't neighborhoods covering this part of Delaware County.
There wasn't an I-71 running alongside the property.
There certainly wasn't the enormous residential and commercial growth we see throughout Genoa Township today.
Yet the farm remained.
That's one of the reasons preserving properties like Freeman's Farm matters.
From Family Farm to Community Park
Genoa Township acquired Freeman's Farm as part of an effort to preserve the property and make it available for public use.
The property encompasses nearly 44 acres, and its acquisition involved funding through the Clean Ohio Fund. The land is intended to remain preserved while the township develops plans for passive recreation and community use.
That makes Freeman's Farm particularly interesting to me.
We talk constantly about growth in Delaware County.
New houses.
New businesses.
New roads.
New schools.
New developments.
And growth brings tremendous opportunity.
But as our communities develop, deciding what not to develop becomes important too.
Growth and Preservation Can Coexist
I don't think the conversation has to be either:
“Stop all development.”
or
“Build everywhere.”
There should be room for both progress and preservation.
Communities need housing.
They need businesses.
They need infrastructure.
But they also need parks, trails, open space and places that remind us what existed before the subdivisions and shopping centers arrived.
Freeman's Farm can be one of those places.
A nearly 44-acre historic property along Lewis Center Road is increasingly unusual in this part of Delaware County.
Preserving it gives future generations an opportunity to experience a piece of the community that otherwise could have disappeared.
This Is Why Local Places Matter
Real estate isn't only about houses.
It's about where we live.
The parks we walk through.
The local businesses we support.
The schools our kids attend.
The roads we complain about.
The trails we explore.
The events where we run into neighbors.
And the places that become part of our community's identity.
That's why I follow stories like this.
Knowing what's happening locally makes us better neighbors, better homeowners and better stewards of the communities we're lucky enough to call home.
What Happens Next at Freeman’s Farm?
For now, Freeman's Farm remains closed until further notice while officials investigate the fire.
As of the latest reporting, the cause had not been determined, and officials had not announced a reopening date.
The township had previously scheduled its Fall Fest for October 24 at Freeman's Farm. As of the latest reporting, officials had not announced whether the fire or closure would affect that event.
So if you're planning to visit the farm or attend an upcoming event, check with Genoa Township for the latest information before heading over.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Freeman’s Farm Fire
Where is Freeman’s Farm?
Freeman's Farm is located at 6142 Lewis Center Road in Genoa Township, Delaware County, Ohio.
When did the fire happen?
The fire occurred late Monday evening, August 24, 2026, with firefighters dispatched around 10:50 p.m.
Was anyone hurt?
No civilians or firefighters were reported injured.
Did the historic barn burn?
No. Genoa Township officials confirmed that the historic barn was not affected.
What building was destroyed?
A township storage facility was destroyed. It contained snowplow blades, tractor attachments, fencing, timber and other equipment.
What caused the fire?
As of the latest reporting, the cause remains under investigation.
Is Freeman’s Farm open?
No. Genoa Township closed the property until further notice while the investigation continues.
Will Fall Fest still happen?
Genoa Township had scheduled Fall Fest at the property for October 24. As of the latest reporting, officials had not announced whether the closure would affect the event.
A Sad Day, But Not the End of Freeman’s Farm
There's no minimizing the loss of a building and valuable township equipment.
But considering what could have happened, I'm incredibly thankful there were no injuries and the historic barn survived.
Buildings and equipment can be replaced.
More than 150 years of local history can't be.
Hopefully the investigation provides answers quickly, the township can begin rebuilding what was lost and Freeman's Farm can reopen for our community to enjoy.
Because as Central Ohio continues to grow, places like this become more important, not less.
They're part of what helps us remember where we've been while deciding what we want our communities to become.
Sources
This article was inspired by the August 26, 2026 Daily Dispatch report, which credits WBNS-TV/10TV for the original reporting. I also reviewed local reporting from Delaware Source and the Powell-Olentangy Journal to verify the fire response, property history, closure and status of the investigation.
