Local preservationists to be honored with first-ever award

COLUMBIA — The Columbia Historic Preservation Commission will honor John and Vicki Ott by naming them Outstanding Local Historic Preservationists during a ceremony Thursday, according to a news release. This is the first time the commission has presented the award.

The Otts, two local preservationists, helped shape the downtown area by refurbishing a number of historic buildings, including several buildings on Broadway and the Paramount Building at the corner of Ninth and Cherry streets.

John Ott also owns the Tiger Hotel building. The first phase of a plan to restore the landmark finished in 2006, and he has asked the city to provide some financial assistance to help reopen the Tiger to hotel guests.

The Otts are also working to restore four buildings on Walnut Street that will house businesses, offices and apartments.

A reception before the ceremony starts at 4 p.m., and the ceremony begins at 5:15 p.m. with a video highlighting the Otts’ work in historic preservation. The ceremony will take place at 907 Alley A, a property that was restored by the couple. The alley runs east-to-west between Ninth and Tenth streets just south of Broadway.