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Commercial Retention & Redevelopment (CRR) Program

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.)

 

 

 

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.