ELY— Three Ely area non-profit groups have a new home at the renovated American Fraternal Union building thanks to the continuing efforts of John and Tanner Ott, Alley A Realty, and one football team, who combined forces to bring new life to one of this city’s numerous landmarks.

An open house last week at the AFU building, located at the corner of Harvey Street and Fourth Ave East across from the Ely Schools campus, highlighted the transformation of the Greek Revival-style building that became the permanent home of the AFU in 1933.

Ely Community Resource, Ely Community Health Center and Range Mental Health Center are now housed in the building.

But let’s start at the beginning.

The American Fraternal Union was founded in Ely and incorporated on July 18, 1898. Their offices were located in two previous locations before the organization erected the current AFU building in 1933. The Ely office of the AFU closed in 2012 and was relocated to St. Paul.

The Otts acquired the building in 2017. “The building sat empty for a number of years,” said Tanner Ott. “We bought the property with the idea that we could open a daycare business there. We started some light demolition work to see what the building was like for renovation purposes.”

The exterior stonework is made of Kasota Stone and comes from the Mankato area. “It is a limestone variation and resembles sandstone,” he said. “Look at the city’s Community Center and the top portion of the Ely Post Office for more of this stone.”

Alley A Realty has refurbished many old buildings in Ely in an effort to renew and enhance the economic development outlook for the area.

The Otts, with much help from Kovall Construction, spent most of 2018 working on the AFU renovations. New energy-efficient windows and a cleaned, tuck-pointed exterior really dressed up the building. “The old double-hung windows actually extended above two drop ceilings,” Ott said.

“We removed the drop ceilings and refurbished the crown moldings and picture rail moldings. We put in all new mechanicals, electrical service and a new heating and ventilation system along with a new roof and skylights. Part of the basement has the flattest ledge rock I’ve ever seen. Part of the foundation was laid right on the ledge rock. We also refurbished the maple flooring.”

The second floor will be utilized by the expanding Range Mental Health organization. New interior and exterior doors were also included in the renovation project according to Ott.

The three non-profit organizations moved in to their new home last fall with the help of members of the Ely High School football team who showed up in full force on a Sunday afternoon with a giant trailer to move furniture and equipment to the building.

In three loads, according to ECR executive director Julie Hignell, the team moved seven desks, six filing cabinets, dozens of chairs, a full-size conference table, a full-sized refrigerator, two worktables, several bookshelves, countless boxes of paper records, books and program supplies, medical equipment, and a pair of heavy exam tables. “The eager, respectful, and patient attitude along with the teamwork the young men showed was really a nice glimpse into their future potential,” she said. Other volunteers helped with painting the interior of the building.

“This is really the perfect location for us,” Hignell said on Tuesday as her organization hosted a Valentine-making activity after school for elementary children. “The kids can get here safely after school, and we have a wonderful space to use.”