Planning Board Resolution 25-16
Covers the earlier conditions for 4 Apple Ridge Road, the 2025 donation agreement and the Planning Board’s final action.
Open Resolution 25-16 (PDF)Historic preservation
Historic Achenbach Barn
The historic Achenbach Barn was relocated in late 2025 from 4 Apple Ridge Road to 66 East Allendale Road. Restoration, utility work and site improvements followed in 2026.
Project status
Relocated in late 2025, with additional work in 2026
Current status
The barn now stands at 66 East Allendale Road
Project work during 2026 included exterior painting, replacement glass, an exterior door, lighting and electrical work, utility trenching, a new well, grading and seeding.
Sources: December 15, 2025 bill list, page 15 (PDF), May 18, 2026 bill list, pages 13 and 17 (PDF), June 15, 2026 bill list, pages 10, 14 and 17 (PDF), July 20, 2026 bill list, pages 14 and 17 (PDF) and August 17, 2026 bill list, page 9 (PDF).
- Historic association
- Achenbach House property
- Former location
- 4 Apple Ridge Road, private property
- Current location
- 66 East Allendale Road
- 2026 improvements
- Exterior, electrical and site work
Project photographs
Before the relocation
Both photographs were taken before the barn was relocated.
Project overview
From the Achenbach House property to 66 East Allendale Road
History and relocation
The barn was one of the outbuildings associated with the Achenbach House at 184 Chestnut Ridge Road. After the property was divided, the barn remained on the parcel that became 4 Apple Ridge Road.
In 2025, the current owners agreed to donate the barn for relocation. The barn was moved and reconstructed at 66 East Allendale Road, on the former service-station property near East Allendale Road and West Saddle River Road.
Sources: National Park Service Achenbach House documentation (PDF), Planning Board Resolution 25-16 (PDF) and December 15, 2025 bill list, page 15 (PDF).
Timeline
How the project developed
This timeline follows the property and project from the 1979 National Register listing through the 2026 restoration work.
Read the project and property timeline
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1979
The Achenbach House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The National Park Service documentation identifies a Victorian barn among the property’s related structures. Source
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2002
A Planning Board soil-movement approval required the barn and driveway at 4 Apple Ridge Road to be moved to neighboring Lot 33. Source
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2004
Most of the separate Achenbach House was destroyed by fire. The barn remained on the Apple Ridge Road property. Source
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2023
The 4 Apple Ridge Road property was sold. Source
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March 2024
The Planning Board modified the earlier barn-related condition while leaving the driveway condition in place. Source
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Nov. and Dec. 2025
The property owners agreed to donate the barn for relocation. After a November 3 hearing and unanimous vote, the Planning Board adopted Resolution 25-16 on December 2. The resolution rescinded the earlier conditions requiring relocation of the barn and driveway to Lot 33. Source
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Late 2025
The barn was relocated to 66 East Allendale Road. Source
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2026
Exterior restoration, electrical work, utility trenching, well installation, grading and seeding followed. May source June source July source August source
Historic context
The Achenbach property and Saddle River village center
Achenbach House property
National Park Service documentation for the Achenbach House at 184 Chestnut Ridge Road identifies a Victorian barn to the north of the house. It also includes a description of the barn and a photograph taken in 1984.
Read the Achenbach House documentation (PDF, external)Saddle River Center Historic District
The Saddle River Center Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. It extends along West Saddle River Road at the junction with East Allendale Road.
View the National Park Service district record (external)Sources
Sources cited on this page
These sources support the project and historical information above.
December 15, 2025 meeting packet
Includes the bill-list entry for relocating the barn to 66 East Allendale Road.
Open the December 15 bill list, page 15 (PDF)May 18, 2026 meeting packet
Includes entries for exterior painting and replacement glass at the barn.
Open the May 18 bill list, pages 13 and 17 (PDF)June 15, 2026 meeting packet
Includes entries for an exterior door, a new electrical panel, lighting, grading and seeding.
Open the June 15 bill list, pages 10, 14 and 17 (PDF)July 20, 2026 meeting packet
Includes entries for utility trenching and installation of a new well.
Open the July 20 bill list, pages 14 and 17 (PDF)August 17, 2026 meeting packet
Includes an entry for electrical supplies allocated in part to the barn.
Open the August 17 bill list, page 9 (PDF)Achenbach House documentation
National Park Service documentation for the house, barn and related outbuildings.
Open the NPS documentation (PDF, external)Saddle River Center Historic District
National Park Service record for the district added to the National Register in 1986.
View the NPS district record (external)Achenbach Barn project announcement
Describes the 2004 fire, relocation site, November 2025 estimate and funding plan.
Read the project announcementQuestions
Contact us
Project questions
For questions about the barn project, contact Richard Molinari, Administrator.
- Phone
- 201-327-2609, extension 239
- rmolinari@saddleriver.gov
Source: Administration directory
Historic preservation
Visit our Landmarks Commission page for local preservation information.