Commercial Retention & Redevelopment (CRR) Program

Currently, the Commercial Retention & Redevelopment (CRR) program is on pause until further notice.  If you have any questions, contact the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities at (803)545-3950 or send an email to OBO@columbiasc.gov.

 

Columbia Facade Improvement Program Resolution R-2016-054

Commercial Retention & Redevelopment Program Overview
The City of Columbia’s Commercial Retention & Redevelopment Program aims to improve the appearance of commercial corridors throughout the city that are significantly deteriorated.  Through this forgivable loan program, commercial property owners and/or business tenants are able to make improvements to the front and other exterior portions of commercial buildings that can be seen from the public right-of-way.

Combination of a Matching-Forgivable Loan CRR Project (Exterior Improvements) & Forgivable Commercial Loan Project (Interior Improvements)

Commercial Retention & Redevelopment Program 2023-24
Program Launch:  September 26, 2023

 

 

CRR 2023-24 Program Materials

♦  CRR Brochure
♦  CRR Step-by-Step Guidelines
♦  CRR Project Application Package Checklist (Document is fillable and can be Saved with your entered information.)
♦  CRR Project Application  (Document is fillable and can be Saved with your entered information.)
♦  Letter of Agency (Required for Tenant making application; not required if owner is making application)  (Document is fillable and can be
    Saved with your entered information.)

 

Here are some before and after pictures of recipients of the CRR program:

Revente

 

Sid and Nancy

 

Eligible Exterior Improvements:
Windows/Doors            Masonry
Painting                           Awnings
Lighting                           Roofing
Signage                            Carpentry
Parking Lot Repair – Cut, patch, sealcoat, re-stripe

Eligible Interior Improvements
Walls – Paint or other repair
Ceilings – Pain or other repair/replacement
Floors – Repair/replacement
Cabinets or similar built-in fixtures – paint/repair
Lighting
ADA Accessibility Improvement – ramp, grab bar

(The number of eligible improvements may be altered for different target areas depending on most observed need and available budget.)

Commercial Retention & Redevelopment Loan (Forgivable)
* Property and/or Business Operators fronting the commercial corridor in the target area.
* For improvements to the interior and exterior of the building and premise.
* A 10% match is required for participation; in-kind match is permitted.  The waiver of the match requirement will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
* Any business with 51% or more revenue from alcohol sales are subject to review by the City of Columbia Economic Development Committee to determine eligibility.
* Any cost above the City’s maximum allowable per site, reverts to Applicant.
* Proper maintenance of the improvements will be monitored for a period of two (2) years.
* If not maintained as installed during the monitoring period, participant will be considered in Default and funds re-paid (pro-rated).
* This program may use federal funds and contractors would be required to follow all federal regulations.
Previous Facade Improvement Program Target Area Summary Reports
Business Improvement District (BID)
Main/North Main Corridor
Two Notch Road Phases I & II

 

If you have questions that were not answered here, contact the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities, 1401 Main Street, 4th Floor, Columbia, SC 29201 or by phone at (803)545-3950.