ADVERTISEMENT

    Grant Money to Help Restore Mile on High Retail

    Last night, City Council approved a new program that would offer a total of $100,000 in facade improvement grants for Downtown retailers. Individual businesses are eligible for grants of up to $5,000 each, and must match the funds one-to-one on projects that would fix up their storefronts.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “Small matching grants can have a huge impact on the way a business looks and the way our entire downtown area attracts customers,” said Mayor Coleman in a press release issued yesterday. “This is another part of our commitment to economic development in the heart of Columbus and we look forward to working with business owners to implement these facade improvements.”

    The “Mile on High” district was announced in Mayor Coleman’s 2008 State of the City Address as a zone targeted for special retail redevelopment incentives. The area is bounded by Spring, Third, Mound, and Front Streets, representing the core of the city’s central business district. Several business in this area have already received tax break deals in 2008, and Suggardaddy’s and Barrio are the first two businesses to receive $5,000 facade grants this year.

    The grant funds are being reallocated from the Urban Site Acquisition Loan Fund to the Economic Development Division for the facade improvement program.

    “This incentive program is important because it helps small, independent businesses cover the cost of signage, awnings, and other basic exterior improvements,” said Cleve Ricksecker, Executive Director of CCSID, in a press release issued yesterday. “It also helps market downtown to the hundreds of retailers that might be thinking about a new store location.”

    Businesses interested in applying for these facade grants should contact the City of Columbus, Department of Development, Economic Development Division at 614-645-8616.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    French Bistro Slated for Prominent Downtown Corner

    Another new restaurant is coming to the corner of...

    The Confluence Cast: Downtown with Michael Brown

    We're exploring the evolution of downtown with Michael Brown, who has been a cornerstone in the city's development planning and worked both in and outside city government to cheer on its growth. Columbus Underground editor Walker Evans and Mike delve into the city's challenges and triumphs, the synergy between projects, the balance between iconic and neighborhood-level public art investments, and the concerted efforts to address systemic issues like homelessness and affordable housing. Through anecdotes and insights, they highlight Columbus's young, creative energy and the dynamic urban policies that continue to drive its growth.

    Main Street Delaware Launches “Just Next Door” Brand to Enhance Downtown Identity

    In response to the voices of downtown businesses and the community, Main Street Delaware recently unveiled a new identity brand for Downtown Delaware – "Just Next Door." 
    Walker Evans
    Walker Evanshttps://columbusunderground.com
    Walker Evans is the co-founder of Columbus Underground, along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
    ADVERTISEMENT