Caumsett Cafe and Seating Shed

One of the most appreciated additions to the Park is the Caumsett Café, completed in 2020. Architect Beyer Blinder Belle designed the adaptation of the former Spreader Shed in the Dairy Barn Complex into a compact seasonal café. Its total cost of $500,000 included upgrading the electrical system for the Dairy Complex. This project was jointly financed by the Foundation and the State. The on-site caterer supplies Park-goers with a variety of fancy coffees, soft drinks, fresh salads, sandwiches and other specialties from May through October.

An adaptation of the disused Sliding Door Shed into an attractive seating, meeting, lecture and performance space was completed in 2022 at a cost of $130,000. Before the renovation, there was minimal shaded seating where visitors could enjoy a refreshment or meet before or after a day of activity in the Park. This original building now has a newly poured concrete floor, historically appropriate tongue and groove paneled walls and a freshly stained and restored ceiling. It also has new lighting fixtures, fans and heaters. The Shed’s adaptive reuse combines architectural integrity with a comfortable seating layout and furniture to accommodate up to 50 Park visitors. This space is highly functional and reflects the design of the original building. We’re grateful to the Marion O. and Maximillian E. Hoffman Foundation and the Nadon Trust for their contributions to the project.