From the rolling farmland around Pana and Assumption to the horse properties near Shelbyville
and the family homes in Sullivan, pole barns are everywhere in Central Illinois. That’s because
these versatile, cost-effective buildings are a perfect fit for the needs of farmers, equestrian
owners, and even homeowners who want extra storage or workspace.
At Next-Gen Buildings LLC, we’ve built countless pole barns and post frame structures
across Sullivan, Effingham, Pana, Taylorville, Paris, Shelbyville, and Assumption. Over time,
we’ve seen firsthand how these structures improve lives, increase efficiency, and provide
long-term value. If you’ve ever considered adding one to your property, here’s what you need to
know.
What Is a Pole Barn?
A pole barn—sometimes called a post frame building—is a structure built using large vertical
posts anchored in the ground or on a foundation. These posts carry the load of the roof and
walls, which allows for wide, open interiors without the need for load-bearing walls.
Because of this design, pole barns can be built quickly, affordably, and with great flexibility.
They’ve long been a staple of Illinois farms, but their uses have expanded to equestrian
facilities, workshops, garages, storage buildings, and even commercial structures.
Benefits for Illinois Farmers
1. Equipment Protection
Illinois farmers rely on heavy machinery—tractors, combines, trucks, and implements—that
represent massive investments. A pole barn machine shed keeps this equipment safe from
rain, snow, and sun, extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
2. Flexible Storage
Pole barns are ideal for hay and feed storage, providing ventilation and easy access while
protecting supplies from the elements. Wide-span interiors make it simple to move bales and
bulk supplies in and out.
3. Livestock Shelter
For cattle, sheep, goats, or hogs, pole barns provide affordable and durable shelter. Properly
designed barns include ventilation, drainage, and easy-clean flooring to promote animal health.
4. Affordability
Compared to traditional stick-built barns, pole barns require fewer materials and less labor,
making them one of the most cost-effective agricultural buildings available.
For farms in places like Pana, Assumption, and Taylorville, pole barns remain the backbone of
efficient operations.
Benefits for Horse Owners
Equestrian facilities often need custom layouts to support daily care and training routines. That’s
where pole barns shine.
Custom Horse Barns
We design horse barns with stalls, tack rooms, feed storage, and wash bays. Wide aisles
ensure safe handling, while durable materials reduce long-term maintenance.
Indoor Arenas
Illinois weather can make outdoor training difficult in winter or during storms. A post frame
indoor riding arena gives horse owners the ability to ride and train year-round.
Flexibility and Expansion
Pole barns can be easily expanded, making them perfect for growing equestrian operations.
Add stalls, storage, or even connected living space as your needs change.
For horse owners near Shelbyville or Sullivan, pole barns are an affordable way to provide
high-quality care for their animals.
Benefits for Homeowners
Pole barns aren’t just for farms—they’re also a great solution for homeowners across Central
Illinois.
Detached Garages and Workshops
Need more space for tools, vehicles, or hobbies? A pole barn garage or shop gives you
affordable square footage without the cost of a traditional addition.
RV and Boat Storage
Many families in Central Illinois enjoy RV camping, boating on Lake Shelbyville, or other
recreational activities. Pole barns provide tall, oversized doors and open interiors perfect for
storing campers, boats, or ATVs.
Hobby and Small Business Use
From woodworking shops to side businesses, pole barns provide flexible workspaces at a
fraction of the cost of commercial buildings.
Event or Community Buildings
With the right design and finishes, post frame structures can serve as pavilions, event halls, or
recreational buildings.
Key Advantages of Pole Barns
No matter the application, pole barns offer a set of universal benefits that make them appealing
across Illinois:
● Affordability – Lower costs compared to traditional construction.
● Quick Construction – Faster timelines with less disruption.
● Durability – Engineered to handle Illinois winds, snow, and storms.
● Low Maintenance – Metal siding and roofing resist pests, rot, and fire.
● Energy Efficiency – Insulated pole barns stay comfortable year-round.
● Customization – From roof style to doors and windows, every detail can be tailored.
Common Customization Options
At Next-Gen, we customize every pole barn we build. Options include:
● Roof styles (gable, gambrel, or monitor).
● Exterior finishes (steel siding, wainscoting, stone or brick accents).
● Doors (overhead, sliding barn doors, service doors).
● Windows and skylights for natural light.
● Insulation and ventilation packages.
● Interior partitions for offices, storage, or livestock.
Because pole barns are inherently flexible, we can design them to serve multiple purposes—like
a garage that doubles as a workshop or a horse barn with integrated hay storage.
Why Pole Barns Work in Central Illinois
Illinois weather is unpredictable, and buildings here need to be tough. Pole barns are ideal
because they’re engineered for:
● Wind Resistance – Structures are designed to handle strong storm gusts.
● Snow Loads – Roofs are built to carry the weight of heavy Illinois snow.
● Moisture Management – Proper site preparation and drainage protect foundations.
● Temperature Extremes – Insulation and ventilation options keep interiors usable
year-round.
Whether it’s a farm near Effingham, a horse property in Shelbyville, or a home workshop in
Sullivan, pole barns are a reliable solution.
The Next-Gen Difference
While many contractors can throw up a pole barn, at Next-Gen Buildings LLC we approach
every project with the same care we give our custom homes. What sets us apart:
● Transparent Bidding – No hidden costs, no vague estimates.
● Design/Build Integration – One team handles everything.
● Quality Materials – Durable posts, roofing, and siding built to last.
● Customer Commitment – If you’re not satisfied, we’re not finished.
This commitment has made us a trusted builder for farms, horse owners, and families across
Central Illinois.
Start Your Pole Barn Project With Next-Gen
Whether you’re a farmer protecting valuable equipment, a horse owner caring for animals, or a
homeowner needing extra space, a custom pole barn in Illinois could be the perfect solution.
At Next-Gen, we’ll design and build a structure tailored to your property, your goals, and your
budget.
📞 Call 217-205-6233
📧 Email sales@nextgenbuildingsil.com
📍 Visit us at 1176 County Road 1500n, Sullivan, IL 61951
🕒 Hours: 7:30–5:30 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday | 10–6 Wednesday
Let’s build a pole barn that works as hard as you do—and one that lasts for decades to come.