Mike Wolfe Passion Project
Mike Wolfe spent 15 years building Antique Archaeology in Nashville. Then he shut it down.
The American Pickers star didn’t scale back—he doubled down. While most celebrity ventures follow a predictable arc (open store, sell merch, repeat), Wolfe’s doing something nobody expected: buying crumbling buildings in forgotten towns and betting his own money they matter.
Columbia, Tennessee. LeClaire, Iowa. Small towns where Main Street died decades ago. That’s where you’ll find Mike Wolfe now, elbow-deep in century-old plaster, restoring gas stations, historic homes, and commercial buildings that most developers would bulldoze.
This isn’t a TV spin-off. It’s not sponsored content. It’s what he calls his “passion project”—and in 2025, it’s become the blueprint for how one person can actually save small-town America without government grants or viral GoFundMe campaigns.
Here’s what’s really happening behind the scenes.
What the Mike Wolfe Passion Project Actually Is
Most people know Mike from American Pickers—the guy who pulls up to your barn and offers $500 for grandpa’s rusty Indian motorcycle. But the picking was always a means to an end.
The real mission: Preserve American history by saving the buildings and places that sheltered it.
Wolfe’s passion project centers on three pillars:
1. Historic building restoration
He’s bought and restored dozens of properties, primarily in Columbia, Tennessee and LeClaire, Iowa. We’re talking 1870s Italianate mansions, abandoned gas stations, former wineries, and entire downtown blocks.
Example: The 1873 Italianate house in Columbia cost him $700,000. He’s spent another $200,000+ rebuilding the missing cupola tower, restoring porches, replacing windows—all based on century-old photographs.
2. Community economic development
Every building Wolfe restores becomes something functional: shops, restaurants, event spaces, vacation rentals. He’s not creating museums—he’s creating businesses that employ locals and attract tourists.
The restored Esso gas station in downtown Columbia? Now a community gathering space with outdoor seating, a fire pit, and a stage for live music.
3. Artisan and maker support
Through his Two Lanes brand and blog, Wolfe quietly sends micro-grants ($2,000-$10,000) to small-town craftspeople—blacksmiths, sign painters, leather workers, neon benders—so their skills don’t die out.
Recipients get featured on TwoLanes.com, which drives real customers their way. No Kickstarter. No crowdfunding. Just direct support from one business owner to another.
The Columbia, Tennessee Empire
If you want to see the Mike Wolfe passion project in real life, Columbia is ground zero.
Properties Wolfe owns or has restored:
The 1873 Italianate Mansion
Purchased for $700,000. Ongoing restoration to match historic photos, including the signature tower/cupola that was removed decades ago. Expected completion: late 2025.
Revival Wine Bar (formerly a winery)
Bought September 2022 for $600,000. Spent $38,630 on renovations: outdoor pergola, fire pit, stage, custom wood shelving, and a red neon “Revival” sign fabricated by Columbia Neon.
The project hit roadblocks. Failed fire and gas inspections in 2023 delayed opening by over a year. But as of mid-2025, inspections passed. The space is now operational as a wine bar with outdoor seating—also available for private events.
Columbia Motor Alley
A multi-building complex that was once an industrial area. Wolfe transformed it into a mixed-use development focused on vintage motorcycles, restoration shops, and American-made goods. Think of it as a mini-district dedicated to the crafts that built America.
The Restored Esso Gas Station
Unveiled in May 2025. Wolfe partnered with design firm Living Exo to turn this ignored downtown structure into a functional outdoor space. Locals and tourists can now gather there for events, markets, and live music.
“I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to reimagine how this property could continue to serve the community,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram.
Two Lanes Guesthouse
A short-term vacation rental in downtown Columbia. Guests stay in a meticulously restored historic property, then walk to Revival, the gas station space, and other Wolfe ventures. It’s a complete immersion in his vision of what small-town America can be.
Total estimated investment in Columbia: Over $1.5 million (and counting).
The Two Lanes Movement
Search “Mike Wolfe passion project” and you’ll land on TwoLanes.com—part blog, part online shop, part visual love letter to forgotten America.
What Two Lanes offers:
Storytelling: Grainy 35mm photos of abandoned motels. Interviews with Texas saddle-makers. Profiles of fourth-generation potters in Ohio. Content that feels like flipping through your grandpa’s photo album.
Curated shop: Hand-stitched leather tool rolls. Enamel mugs made by small-batch artisans. Vintage-inspired apparel. Every purchase ships directly from the maker’s workshop—not an Amazon warehouse.
Maker spotlights: Wolfe features artisans on the site, giving them exposure and driving sales. When a blacksmith in rural Montana gets featured, their orders spike 300% overnight.
Community engagement: Followers are encouraged to post photos of pre-1980s Americana they find on road trips—old diner signs, derelict Texaco stars, vintage storefronts. Wolfe reposts three every Friday. Winners get a signed Route 66 map.
The numbers:
- Traffic to TwoLanes.com increased 220% in the last six months
- “Mike Wolfe passion project” Google searches up 280% since July 2025
- Pinterest boards labeled “Wolfe-Style Renovation” up 400%
People are hungry for what Wolfe’s selling: authenticity, craftsmanship, and a connection to the past.
Why This Matters (And Why Most People Get It Wrong)
Most celebrity “passion projects” are vanity plays. Launch a tequila brand. Slap your name on a product line. Cash checks.
Wolfe’s doing the opposite. He’s risking his own money on buildings nobody else wants, in towns most people have written off.
The typical criticism: “He’s gentrifying small towns. Pricing out locals.”
The reality: Columbia’s downtown was dying. Empty storefronts. No foot traffic. Property values stagnant for decades.
Wolfe’s investments brought:
- New businesses (restaurants, shops, event spaces)
- Jobs (construction workers, hospitality staff, artisans)
- Tourism (people now travel to Columbia specifically to see his projects)
- Tax revenue (revitalized properties pay more in local taxes)
Yes, property values increased. That’s what happens when someone invests millions in a neighborhood. But locals aren’t being displaced—they’re getting opportunities they didn’t have before.
The September 2025 Car Crash That Changed Everything
On September 12, 2025, Mike Wolfe and his girlfriend Leticia Cline were involved in a serious car accident in Columbia.
They were driving a vintage Porsche 356 for a photo shoot tied to an upcoming book about the motorcycle industry. An SUV reportedly pulled out from a side street with little warning. The collision was devastating.
Injuries:
- Mike: Broken nose, knee and wrist injuries
- Leticia: Broken jaw (in three places), broken ribs, broken sternum, collapsed lung, spinal swelling
Cline was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Her jaw was wired shut. She lost 12 pounds in the first week because she could only eat through a syringe.
Both survived. Both are recovering.
Wolfe called it a “second chance” at life. A moment to “recalibrate all that’s important.”
The crash didn’t slow down his passion project—it refocused it. He’s still working on Columbia properties. Still posting on Two Lanes. Still showing up.
American Pickers co-star Danielle Colby commented on social media: “I love you both… You’ve got this Tish. The part about having your voice limited brought me to tears. You’re gonna have that voice back again soon.”
How Mike Funds All of This
Mike Wolfe isn’t a billionaire. He doesn’t have Elon Musk money. So how does he afford $1.5 million in property investments in Columbia alone?
Revenue streams:
1. American Pickers: Still running strong on the History Channel. Season 27 premiered in July 2025. The show pays well, and Wolfe’s been the star for over a decade.
2. Antique Archaeology (LeClaire location): The original Iowa store remains open and profitable. Tourists visit by the thousands.
3. Property income: Restored buildings generate revenue. Revival wine bar will bring in consistent cash. Two Lanes Guesthouse is a short-term rental booked solid most months. Columbia Motor Alley tenants pay rent.
4. Two Lanes shop: Every time someone buys a leather tool roll or enamel mug, Wolfe takes a cut. The site’s growing traffic translates to growing sales.
5. New TV projects: Wolfe recently announced a new History Channel show. More projects mean more income to funnel into Columbia.
6. Book and licensing deals: Upcoming book tied to the motorcycle industry. Licensing agreements for his personal brand.
The strategy is smart: use entertainment income to fund real estate restoration, which creates sustainable businesses that generate ongoing revenue.
It’s not charity. It’s long-term investment.
What Makes This Different From Other Celebrity Projects
Chip and Joanna Gaines flipped Waco, Texas with Magnolia. But they focused on scale—retail empire, TV shows, product lines. The renovations were means to build a brand.
Nicole Curtis (Rehab Addict) restored Detroit homes. But she relied heavily on TV production budgets and sponsors.
Mike Wolfe? He’s funding his own projects. No TV cameras required. No brand partnerships. Just him, his money, and a belief that these buildings deserve a second life.
The Mike Wolfe passion project is personal. He’s not building an empire—he’s preserving one that already existed.
The Challenges (Because It’s Not All Instagram Photos)
Restoring century-old buildings in small towns is brutal. Wolfe’s faced every obstacle imaginable:
1. Permit delays
The Revival wine bar failed fire and gas inspections in 2023. Took over a year to resolve. Historic properties have stricter codes, which means more red tape.
2. Cost overruns
The 1873 Italianate house was supposed to cost $700,000 + $100,000 in renovations. He’s already doubled that budget and the project isn’t done.
3. Community skepticism
Not everyone in Columbia welcomed Wolfe with open arms. Some locals worried about gentrification. Others questioned whether a TV star could commit long-term.
4. Maintenance nightmares
Old buildings require constant upkeep. Plumbing fails. Roofs leak. HVAC systems need replacing. Every property is a never-ending project.
5. Economic risk
What if tourism doesn’t materialize? What if Revival doesn’t attract enough customers? Wolfe’s betting millions on the assumption people care about this stuff. If they don’t, he loses big.
How to Support the Mike Wolfe Passion Project
You don’t need to buy a $700,000 mansion to be part of this movement.
1. Visit Columbia, Tennessee
Book a stay at Two Lanes Guesthouse. Eat at Revival. Walk downtown and see what Wolfe’s building. Your tourist dollars fund the next restoration.
2. Shop Two Lanes
Buy from TwoLanes.com. Every purchase supports small-batch American makers. Skip Amazon. Support artisans.
3. Share your finds
Post photos of vintage Americana on Instagram. Tag @twolanes and #MikeWolfePassionProject. Wolfe reposts three every Friday.
4. Volunteer at Columbia Motor Alley
They host monthly “Rip & Ship” days—volunteers help demo non-salvageable drywall, catalog finds, and learn timber-frame repair. Free lunch included.
5. Start your own local project
You don’t need millions. Start small: Save one historic building in your town. Organize a Main Street cleanup. Support a local artisan. The Mike Wolfe passion project isn’t about scale—it’s about caring.
The 2025 Vision: What’s Next
Wolfe’s not slowing down. Here’s what’s coming:
Revival wine bar full launch: Expected late 2025. Will partner with nearby restaurant Prime and Pint for food service.
1873 mansion completion: The Italianate house restoration should finish by year-end. Possible use: private event space or high-end vacation rental.
New History Channel show: Announced October 2025. Details limited, but Wolfe confirmed it continues his “lifelong passion of picking.”
Book release: Tied to the motorcycle industry. Will feature stories from builders, riders, and collectors Wolfe met over the years.
More Columbia properties: Wolfe’s eyeing additional buildings downtown. No specifics yet, but locals say he’s in talks with several property owners.
The Legacy Play
Mike Wolfe is 61. He’s thinking about what comes after American Pickers ends.
The passion project is his answer.
Twenty years from now, American Pickers will be a footnote. A nostalgia hit from the 2010s. But the buildings Wolfe restored? They’ll still be standing.
Families will eat dinner at Revival. Couples will stay at Two Lanes Guesthouse. Tourists will take photos at the Esso gas station. And nobody will remember this was all started by a guy from a reality TV show.
That’s the point.
Mike Wolfe’s not building a brand. He’s building permanence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Mike Wolfe’s passion project?
It’s his personal mission to restore historic buildings, support small-town artisans, and revitalize communities—primarily in Columbia, Tennessee and LeClaire, Iowa. He buys crumbling properties, restores them to period-accurate condition, and turns them into functional businesses.
How much has Mike Wolfe invested in Columbia, Tennessee?
Over $1.5 million, including property purchases and restoration costs. The 1873 Italianate house alone cost $700,000 to buy plus $200,000+ in renovations. Revival wine bar was $600,000 to purchase plus $38,630 in documented upgrades.
Is Mike Wolfe still doing American Pickers?
Yes. Season 27 premiered in July 2025. He also announced a new History Channel show launching soon. The passion project runs alongside his TV career—not instead of it.
Can you visit Mike Wolfe’s properties in Columbia?
Yes. Revival wine bar is open to the public (expected full launch late 2025). The restored Esso gas station is an outdoor community space anyone can visit. Two Lanes Guesthouse is a bookable vacation rental.
What is Two Lanes?
Two Lanes is Mike Wolfe’s lifestyle brand and blog. It features stories about vintage Americana, sells American-made goods from small-batch artisans, and promotes the values behind his passion project. Visit TwoLanes.com.
What happened in Mike Wolfe’s September 2025 car accident?
On September 12, 2025, Wolfe and girlfriend Leticia Cline were in a serious crash in Columbia while driving a vintage Porsche 356. Both were hospitalized—Cline suffered broken jaw, ribs, sternum, and collapsed lung. Both are expected to fully recover.
Does Mike Wolfe make money from these restorations?
Yes and no. Some properties (like Revival and Two Lanes Guesthouse) generate revenue. Others are restored for preservation rather than profit. It’s a mix of passion and pragmatic business strategy.
How can I support the Mike Wolfe passion project?
Visit Columbia and stay at his properties. Shop at TwoLanes.com. Share photos of vintage Americana on social media using #MikeWolfePassionProject. Or start your own local preservation effort in your town.
Why did Mike Wolfe close his Nashville Antique Archaeology store?
He shut it down in April 2025 after 15 years to refocus his time and resources on Columbia. “Sometimes, even when something is good, you have to pause and ask yourself where your time is going,” he explained.
Is Mike Wolfe gentrifying small towns?
Depends who you ask. Critics say he’s raising property values and pricing out locals. Supporters argue he’s reviving dead downtowns and creating jobs. The economic impact is positive, but like any development, it has tradeoffs.
