Meet Scott Strayer | Venue Owner & Real Estate Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scott Strayer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
For me starting my own business was to chase my unbound creativity. I find it fascinating to grow a business that only I’m responsible for. The 1833 specifically came after nearly a 10 year search. It’s a venue that focuses on intimate weddings of less than 100 guests. After spending 12 years in corporate business, I felt a longing for a more personal business relationship. Weddings are a magical experience where there is so much excitement for the future. I’ve always loved going to them, so I opened a venue to be a part of that delight!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The 1833 has charm and beauty, along with many modern updates, making the venue the perfect place for intimate weddings and other small events. It wasn’t easy renovating a 191-year-old church that was saved from demolition. The venue along with many other non-retail businesses don’t have a “Grand Opening”. It’s a slow steady process of brand awareness. I’m often pivoting to change my marketing strategy and pricing structure. The market changes quickly and I need to be creative!

Building History:
• Built in 1833 and known as the oldest church building in Troy, Ohio.
• Originally built for the Trinity Episcopal Church on land donated by Troy’s very first doctor, Dr. Asa Coleman.
• It was on the church steps in 1837 that General Harrison addressed the people of Troy and officially opened up the Miami and Erie Canals. General Harrison went on to be the 9th President of the United States.
• The church basement housed a public school up until 1848.
• Known as a vital part of the Underground Railroad. It is here that former slave Auntie Green lived and was said to have made her famous escape from slave hunters.
• The beautiful stained-glass windows were installed in the early 1900’s and have been restored to maintain their original integrity and condition.
• In 2020, Scott Strayer purchased the church with a dream of bringing new life and use for this building that would still preserve history and contribute to downtown Troy, Ohio.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Troy has a beautiful downtown with many shops and restaurants. Too many great places to mention them all! We also have an amazing park system with mountain biking trails, frisbee golf, nature trails, kayaking, and bike paths throughout the region.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family has been such a great support network! They are the reason I’ve had the courage to make bold choices. Believe me, leaving the security of full-time employment and embarking on the unknowns of self-employment takes a lot of faith!

Website: https://1833troy.com

Instagram: The1833Troy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/Dgd1YfXSPi2anmGj/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
The 1833 staff