AROMAS >> The Red Barn venue is on its way to hosting several large-scale events a year, with goals of attracting more community based attractions like weddings, paintball and parties.

The Monterey County Planning Commission recently unanimously approved a permit allowing the Red Barn to host larger events. Currently the venue hosts a flea market every Sunday, drawing in thousands from across the county every week.

The owner of the venue, Sal Jimenez, said his goal was always to expand the Red Barn’s social capabilities ever since he bought the property in 2020.

There are also plans to increase parking in the area and the number of vendor spaces available.

Commissioners brought up concerns about traffic in the area and potential noise issues, though they acknowledged that the owner has taken steps to mitigate noise and that traffic was out of his control, especially on a busy highway like nearby Highway 101.

“The issue with traffic on the 101 is always going to be there, especially when people are going and coming from work,” said Commissioner Ernesto Gonzalez.

Representation for the owner said their plan would comply with the noise ordinance required by the county even though it doesn’t apply to the property because it’s a commercial property.

The Red Barn was built by the Kaiser Aluminum Company for Harry Ellingwood in 1945. The 20,000-square-foot building is just off Highway 101 on the northern edge of Monterey County. It is 52 feet tall and has served as a well-known and highly visible landmark for decades.

Ellingwood sold hay, lumber and hardware out of the barn, which had “World’s Largest Hay Barn” emblazoned on its gambrel-style roof in large painted letters.

According to the family, Ellingwood sold hay to the Army at Fort Ord and provided the first hay barriers for Laguna Seca Raceway.

Except for a series of advertisements on the roof, including one for Langendorf Bread, the building remained unpainted until 1969-70 when it was painted red.