RIGHT PICK? American Pickers’ Mike Wolfe hit with backlash over revamping quiet Tennessee town as residents are divided over changes

Mike, 60, has expanded his real estate portfolio, purchasing numerous properties – including his Two Lanes vacation rental and bike shop Columbia Motor Alley – in the town about 45 miles outside of Nashville.

In June, The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed the American Pickers star added to his real estate empire when he purchased another commercial property for $400,000 in December 2023.

The building is 1,240 square feet and was built in 1920.

“It’s kind of interesting because a lot of people don’t want change and some people do, so we’re in that flux,” a town source exclusively told the U.S. Sun on Mike bringing new businesses to Columbia.

They continued, referencing the construction on the property adjacent to Columbia Motor Alley, “They are building a six-story condo with a restaurant. Next to that is going to be a car place.

“The town is changing rapidly.”

An insider told The U.S. Sun, “The project is costing $93million” and while some citizens seem reluctant to change others are all for the sudden economic boost.

“The town is happy Mike is taking this on to help bring new life to Columbia,” the insider continued.

KING OF COLUMBIA
According to property records obtained by The U.S. Sun, another commercial property Mike owns in Columbia, Tennessee, is 4,320 square feet and valued at $214,100.

The property is rented out to Hazelwood Laboratories, as their business description reads, “Boutique music systems for hospitality and home.”

Mike is also the owner of a 2,900-square-foot property with a value of $192,700 that Muletown Coffee rents out.

Drama theater called Packard Playhouse rents out one of Mike’s properties, which is 4,653 square feet and appraised at $336,300.

He also owns a commercial property rented out to Trek Bicycle Store Columbia that is worth $464,400 and is 6,279 square feet.

The square footage includes an upstairs apartment, which is Mike’s vacation rental, Two Lanes Guesthouse.

The TV personality bought a former Chevrolet dealership that he named Columbia Motor Alley.

The property was purchased in November 2017 for $400,000 and has an estimated value of $717,400.

The building is a whopping 13,440 square feet.

A source close to Mike previously told The U.S. Sun, “It used to be a car restoration building and then Mike Wolfe bought it.

“He has employees who work on bicycles and more in the garage section. Mike has his cars and motorcycles here on display. He has motorcycles, bikes, cars, and antiques he finds on the show.”

Inside is a merchandise shop that sells shirts, hats, oil cans, mugs, and more items.

The U.S. Sun previously reported Mike bought a property to be turned into a restaurant, as construction to the outside has been completed.

Mike bought the property for $600,000 on September 15, 2022.

The front of the restaurant features a wooden pergola with lights, gray pavers, a fire pit area, and a brick bench for customers who want to sit around the fire.

Opposite the brick fire pit are pavers that are elevated, which will be a stage for karaoke and performers.

A source told The U.S. Sun at the time, “It’s going to be a restaurant. They are going to sell pizza, soda, that kind of stuff.

“Construction workers are building a stage for karaoke, a fire pit, and a pergola in front of the building.”

BOOM TOWN

Mike’s investment in Columbia appears to be paying off as new businesses have begun springing up around town.

A restaurant and butcher shop Prime & Pint – Butchery and Public House opened next door to Mike’s Esso service station turned eatery on March 30.

Opened March 30, the painted brick building features large windows across its long facade with antique-style lamps mounted above them.

The inside of the restaurant features an open floor plan and bar.

The eatery opened to customers on Saturday, March 30, with the restaurant’s Facebook page describing the eatery as “reviving culinary heritage.”

On June 15, Build A Donut Bakery, shortened to BAD Bakery, also opened its doors.

BAD Bakery is setting out to redefine the donut experience.

The website reads, “We don’t just serve donuts; we empower you to build your own delectable creations.

“Founded in 2023, we’re a fresh and innovative addition to the culinary scene in our charming town.”

A source told The U.S. Sun of further construction, “The town is changing rapidly. It’s a change that is welcomed by some citizens but shunned by others in the community.”