The Story of 861 Selby: A Legacy Still Unfolding

By Felicia Perry, Economic Development Manager, Rondo Community Land Trust

A few weeks ago, I ran into Dr. Aretta-Rie Johnson at Golden Thyme Restaurant. We exchanged greetings, and shortly after, we scheduled a one-on-one meeting so I could learn more about her work and explore how I might support her through my role at Rondo Community Land Trust. What she shared with me about the building at 861 Selby Avenue—its history, its purpose, and her family’s legacy—has stayed with me.

This building isn’t just standing in the Rondo neighborhood. It’s standing for something.

A Community Gift with Intention

More than 40 years ago, Edward Hamm, a member of Saint Paul’s well-known brewing family, donated use of the building at 861 Selby to Reverend Walter L. Battle, Dr. Johnson’s uncle. Rev. Battle had recently lost another building to a fire—news that reached Mr. Hamm and moved him to act. He found Rev. Battle and offered him use of this space. The only request was that the building continue to serve young people.

Rev. Battle kept that promise. He used the space to mentor youth, lead programs, and offer the kind of spiritual and practical guidance that builds people up. After his time, the building was passed to Thelma Battle Buckner, Dr. Johnson’s mother, who turned the storefront into a quilt shop and kept it active as a place of creativity and community care.

The building operated for decades without rent—just utilities—so long as it remained in service to the community. I imagine these types of agreements weren’t uncommon in Rondo, even if they never made the headlines. They were rooted in trust, relationship, and a shared commitment to legacy. What stood out most is that this commitment to serving youth has continued through generations.

Ownership, Stewardship, and the Work Ahead

After Mr. Hamm and Ms. Buckner both passed in 2021, the family was told that the building would need to be purchased. Dr. Johnson stepped forward. She secured financing and bought the building through her nonprofit, D.I.V.I.N.E. Institute—an organization focused on youth development, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

In 2023, she launched The Tooth Fairy Candy Store out of the commercial space on the first floor. It was bright, joyful, and grounded in purpose. Young girls were invited into the store not just to enjoy it, but to understand how it ran. They learned about business in real time, and Dr. Johnson showed them how it’s done.

Then came the challenges. Foot traffic was still low coming out of COVID. Construction began outside the building without warning and disrupted business. And just last year a fire broke out in the upstairs units and caused damage below. Repairs were needed, and progress slowed while Dr. Johnson also faced personal challenges.

She didn’t walk away. She paused. She assessed. And she chose to pivot with intention.

A Return with Purpose

The building is now undergoing its final repairs. Renovations are nearly complete, and something new is on the way. The next phase will reflect what the building has always been about—service to young people, stewardship, and opportunity—with new energy that responds to the needs of today.

It's inspiring to know that the space will remain under the guidance of someone who understands what it means to hold legacy in one hand and vision in the other.

What This Building Teaches Us

861 Selby Avenue tells a story of people who gave, built, nurtured, repaired, and kept going. It teaches us that community legacy doesn’t require perfection, it requires commitment.

Dr. Johnson carries that commitment with a energy that's already rubbed off on me.

As part of my work at Rondo CLT, it has been a privilege to meet her and I look forward to what’s next.

Stay tuned.