With the help of architect John Hueser, who specializes in historical architecture, and the State Historical Society, the Kerleys revitalized the exterior of their business to its former glory. Descendants of the Fred Kaiser family, whose ancestors operated a drug store on the first floor of the former two-story structure at 232 S. Main Street, provided the Kerleys with photos of the building from the 1890s to the 1915s to aid in their restoration effort. While not a precise replica, the Kerleys paid reverence to the Georgian Colonial style and era of the structure's former dignity. It wasn't the fastest, cheapest or easiest route to go, but then that wasn't the couple's goal. In the long run though, the value of the property should retain its value long term.
Interior improvements are still on the drawing board.
Many people who live in Ottawa believe the city is about much more than its history. We agree, however history and architecture have proven time and again to be the aspects people most appreciate and remember about our community. Ottawa could really capitalize on it. We thought it was worth the investment. Unfortunately, many people who live here take the history and the architecture on Main Street for granted.