Michael Kelley | Source | Principal at Kelley Companies

Michael Kelley is the Principal of Kelley Companies, a family-owned real estate development partnership and holding company of operating businesses. Founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 2018, its real estate development work specializes in central city adaptive reuse projects, historic preservation, and multi-family apartment projects.

Michael graduated from the University of Notre Dame (2007, B.A. summa cum laude), Notre Dame Law School (2010, J.D. summa cum laude), and Fisher College of Business (2014, Specialized Masters in Finance, with honors). While in law school, Michael was Senior Editor of the Notre Dame Law Review and clerked at Skadden Arps Law Firm in New York City. After graduating from law school in 2010, Michael returned to Columbus, Ohio, to work as an associate in the litigation group at Vorys, Sater, Seymour, and Pease.

In 2012, Michael left Vorys to join Donald W. Kelley and Associates, a real estate development company founded by his grandfather, where he managed the development of large-scale multi-family and mixed-use real estate projects.

Some of the Kelley Companies projects he is most proud of include:
● Parkwood HQ (36-unit apartments, historic preservation) – Kelley Companies obtained historic tax credits to restore the Ohio Baptist General Convention’s historic headquarters building into part of an apartment community with 36 units. This project is a partnership with the OBGC, a convention of Black Baptist churches in Ohio. As a partner, the OBGC receives a share of profits to further their outstanding work in the community. Additionally, this project has committed to pricing these apartments at affordable levels to the local workforce.
● SEHA Studios (24-unit apartments, historic preservation) – Kelley Companies renovated a historic hotel in a transitional neighborhood into 24 affordable micro-apartments with first-floor retail. This project is a partnership with Community Development for All People, a non-profit that also operates a coffee shop, the South End Café, on the first floor of the building.
● The Luminary (82-unit apartment, new construction) – Kelley Companies constructed two buildings with 82 units on vacant land surrounding Shiloh Baptist Church, Columbus’ second oldest black Baptist church. This project is owned in partnership with Shiloh Baptist Church, which will retain long-term ownership of the building to support their work in the community. In addition, over half of the units are reserved for renters who earn 80% or less of the area median income.
● Open Air School (25,000 mixed-use, historic preservation) - After acquiring a historic public school building from the Columbus school district, Kelley Companies obtained historic tax credits. They renovated the building into a mix of exciting uses, including a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, pottery studio, event space, creative office, and fitness studio. This historic public school building won the 2023 James B. Recchie Award for Historic Preservation. The project preserved the character of the building, created vibrant outdoor terraces, and has become an essential destination in the North Campus neighborhood.
● South Wind Motel (22-room hotel, historic preservation)) – Kelley Companies acquired an unsavory motel and renovated it into a vintage boutique motel, which it owns and operates independently. This project is a sensitive update and refurbishment of a classic Mid-Century Modern motel, with sustainability updates including rooftop solar panels, EV charging station, low-waste products, and eco-friendly toiletries. The hotel was a nominee and finalist for the James B. Recchie Award for Historic Preservation.

Kelley Companies has also founded and currently operates several hospitality businesses, including a neighborhood café with two locations (Emmett’s Café), a recently refurbished fitness studio (Butcher Shop Fitness), the South Wind Motel, and their newest acquisition, The Compost Exchange, that is helping move Columbus toward zero food waste.

Michael is on the board of directors for Homeport and St. Charles Preparatory School. In 2017, the Ohio Bar Foundation awarded Michael the Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys under 40. In 2022, Michael was recognized by Columbus Business First as one of the top 100 most influential leaders in Columbus. A proud and lifelong Columbus resident, Michael is currently engaged to be married. He plays the bagpipes for fun and is past President of the Shamrock Club Pipes and Drums.