About Us
We renovate and lease historic buildings in downtown Ely, creating spaces for the entrepreneurs, restaurants, artists and professionals who make a small town thrive.
Decades of Bringing Buildings Back
John and Vicki Ott found their approach to redevelopment in the mid-1980s, when they bought the ten-room Schoolhouse in Rocheport and transformed it into a bed and breakfast. Saving that building inspired a historic preservation angle that has guided their work ever since. They owned and operated the B&B for several years while restoring other Rocheport landmarks, including the post office and Mount Nebo Church.
In 2004 they made a commitment to downtown Columbia, beginning their first historic preservation project there. In 2010 the Columbia Historic Preservation Commission named them its first-ever Outstanding Local Historic Preservationists. It became a true family business in 2014, when their son Tanner joined the team. In Ely, our work includes the historic State Theater, the James Building and Fisherman’s Headquarters, home of the Ely Folk School. Over the last twenty-some years, they’ve kept at it one building at a time, bringing new life to the historic buildings that give downtown its character.
2019 President’s Award
Tanner Ott was honored by Rethos: Places Reimagined, Minnesota’s statewide preservation nonprofit, at its 2019 Icon Awards.
Tanner, at 27, currently serves as Vice President for Alley A Realty. In the last five years he has overseen reuse projects in downtown Ely, MN. Tanner’s passion lies in renovating properties and leasing them to entrepreneurs, restaurants, artists, and professionals, helping to create communities that flourish and neighborhoods that are filled with pride. Success to Tanner looks like “a building full of happy people.” He continues to work on restoring and repurposing some of Ely’s most unique downtown destinations and gems.
Read More About Our Work
Tanner Ott
A profile of the four downtown revitalizations Tanner has led, including the 1901 City Hall building.
Read the article CoMo Preservation · May 20251901 City Hall and Jail Wins State Preservation Award
Columbia’s first city hall earns a Preserve Missouri Award for its extensive rehabilitation.
Read the article Star Tribune · Sept. 2019An Art Deco Moviehouse Regains Its Shine in Ely
Ely’s 1936 State Theater, closed since 2008, is restored as a cinema and performing arts venue.
Read the article COMO Magazine · Aug. 2018John Ott, Owner, Alley A Realty
From a 20-year broadcasting career to redeveloping historic downtown properties with Vicki.
Read the article Columbia Missourian · Jan. 2013Otts Use Tax Credits, Savvy to Restore Vitality to Columbia Buildings
How historic preservation tax credits help bring downtown buildings back while keeping their character.
Read the article COMO Magazine · Mar. 2011Winning Warehouse
The 1924 Berry Building, a former grocery warehouse turned lofts, shops and offices, wins a Preserve Missouri Award.
Read the article Columbia Missourian · Feb. 2010Historic Preservation Commission Honors a Columbia Couple
John and Vicki are named Columbia’s first-ever Outstanding Local Historic Preservationists.
Read the articleLet's Work Together
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