In the Parkland, a quiet revolution is taking place—one wooden beam at a time. Michael Washington, founder and builder behind Classic Creations, isn’t just constructing chicken coops—he’s building dreams, fostering self-reliance, and hatching a lifestyle that’s as heartwarming as it is handmade.
Originally from New Madrid County, Michael made the move to Farmington in 2003 when his wife Lindsey accepted a job post-college. At the time, Michael was working as a nurse, caring for Alzheimer’s patients. It was meaningful work, but when the world came to a screeching halt during COVID, he took a leap of faith and turned his side hustle—building chicken coops—into a full-time gig.
“I never imagined this would be my life,” Michael laughs, recalling how the first coop they built sold instantly after Lindsey posted it on Facebook Marketplace. “We built it when the ordinance for chickens passed in Farmington. We thought, ‘Why not?’” That one coop turned into a waiting list, and soon enough, Michael was crafting one a week—all while fielding requests from across the region.
But he didn’t just stop at chicken coops. Over time, Classic Creations has expanded to include greenhouses, cat cabins, and custom animal enclosures of all kinds. Each project is handcrafted, thoughtfully designed, and tailored to fit the unique needs of the client, whether that’s a backyard gardener with five hens or a nonprofit in Chicago selling eggs to support its community.
One of Michael’s proudest builds to date? A massive coop for We Sow, We Grow, a nonprofit organization in Chicago that empowers urban agriculture.
Back home in Farmington, Michael also donates his time and talent to the community. He’s built coops for the local middle school, mentored at-risk youth through juvenile center programs, and even became a master gardener along the way. At one point, he helped local teens build the largest greenhouse in the area. “That project meant a lot to me,” he says. “We didn’t just grow plants—we grew confidence.”
Though demand for his work keeps him booked nearly a year in advance, Michael still finds time for what matters most: family. He’s a proud dad to three daughters—Madelynn Reese (17), Miley Renne (16), and Makenna Rose (13). “Being home with my girls is the best part of this job,” he says. “That’s the real reward.”
The building process these days? Streamlined. Efficient. Precision-measured and pre-cut. Michael is self-taught, and as he puts it, “If the math is right, the structure is sound.” But that doesn’t mean it’s all smooth sailing—he admits that moving the finished coops is still the most challenging part of the gig. “These things are big. Like, really big,” he grins.
As more Americans turn toward sustainability and self-sufficiency, Michael believes the coop movement is only just getting started. “People are getting back to grassroots. With everything going on—economy, food costs, you name it—they want to rely more on themselves. And chickens? Chickens are a great first step.”
Michael is now recognized as one of the nation’s leading chicken coop builders—not just because of the volume he produces, but because of the unmatched craftsmanship and thoughtful design behind every structure. These aren’t your average backyard eyesores. A Classic Creations coop is a true extension of your property—custom-built to reflect your style, suit your space, and enhance your home’s aesthetic. Whether you’re going for farmhouse chic, rustic elegance, or modern minimalism, Michael makes sure your build doesn’t just blend in—it stands out. Most importantly, each structure is designed to be a safe, secure, and functional home for your animals. The goal? A beautiful, lasting build that checks every box: your vision, your needs, and your animals’ protection.
At the end of the day, Michael Washington is more than just “that guy who builds chicken coops.” He’s a craftsman, a mentor, a community builder, and a dad who traded in scrubs for sawdust to live a life full of purpose.
“I never thought I’d be here, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”