The Fields, which opened in Spring of 1997, offers Bloomington a new lifestyle experience providing unparalleled apartment homes on an exciting 58 acres of grounds, replete with resort-style pool, extensive gardens, and two on-site lakes. A unique combination of inspired design, fine craftsmanship and concerted effort all contributed to make the project possible.

The Clubhouse Barn covers 20,000 square feet of floor space, with a 24-foot ceiling. It was constructed soon after World War II by Bloomington business baron Ralph Rogers, who owned, among other businesses, the Rogers Building Company. On this family-run farm, he raised prize cattle, paying a record setting $35,000 for the famous bull, Baca Duke XXXIII, in 1953; as one of the original residents of The Fields, his portrait, (Baca Duke's that is) has been placed in a position of honor on the entry wall.

Weighing over 300 pounds, our whimsical weathervane was raised into position atop the clubhouse cupola on June 4, 1997 by a 120 foot crane. During this time all construction work on the project ceased, as the entire crew breathlessly watched while Dave McArdle performed an unusual "high-wire act" to secure the structure in place.

-designed by Gary Anderson

As the barn lies 15 degrees off center from due north, concern has been expressed that low-flying migrating geese may wind up in New York rather than Canada by taking their bearings from this vane. We cannot be held responsible for any non-instrument flying over The Fields' air space.

The original sloping ramp bridge was created to carry the weight of tractors and farm machinery. It has since been reinvented as an "old time" covered bridge of cedar, brick, local Green County stone, and a unique flooring of black slate cobblestones that continue inside into the entry.

The wood floor is the original 50-year old spruce barn wood, sanded and coated with ten layers of wax. Once upon a time bales of hay were stacked on it 24 feet high, sharing space with a collection of vintage cars.

The largest we know of built in Southern Indiana since World War II, it is constructed of handpicked Wisconsin granite from the Lake Superior area.
The handbuilt fire box is double-sided, nearly 20 feet tall from its base supports, and burns both gas and wood. With a man-size flue, it is also the only fireplace in Bloomington that Santa can really come down.

-built by Tim Jeffers

The 300 pound door is a massive 4 feet wide and 8 feet tall, and is made of solid native Indiana hickory.

Question:
How to effectively illuminate an old barn?

Answer:
Call in Robert Shakespeare from the Indiana University Theater Department. Innovation through unique design are Robert and Marie
Shakespeare's answer, creating a warm, plentiful lighting, while retaining the rustic style of the old barn setting.