Beautifying Businesses to Draw More Business

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Close to a dozen companies along the North Main Street Corridor in downtown Columbia are receiving federal grant money to spruce up their store fronts, in an effort to bring in more dollars to downtown Columbia. 3612 North Main Street is home to E. Marion Enterprises, a financial planning/insurance company. In a few short weeks, it went from drab to fab, thanks to a facade improvement grant from the City of Columbia. ‘Improvements included columns, half moon window, shutters, sconce lighting, ornamental privacy gate, and a good coat of pain to seal the deal,” said Facade Improvement Manager with the City of Columbia, Gerry Lynn Hall. Those improvements to E. Marion Enterprises cost $12,475. It’s part of the Capitol city’s ongoing effort to transform the North Main Corridor, which has struggled for decades to rebuild itself, into a viable economic hub. “This area is now the new frontier in this city in terms of development,” said city councilman Sam Davis, whose district houses the corridor. “Over the last year alone, we’ve invested public safety dollars, installing nearly 100 new cameras throughout the North Main Corridor, and 26 additional police officers on the ground in the North region since 2011,” said Mayor Steve Benjamin. After competing against 30 different cities, the City of Columbia was awarded $150,000 in federal funds for its Facade Improvement Program. It’s money well spent business owner Edward Marion didn’t have to spend. He hopes it attracts more consumers and encourages other businesses to follow suit. “We encourage everyone on this corridor to take advantage of it. If you don’t, money goes away to other areas, and we would rather see it here,” said Marion. City officials say a lot of businesses don’t take advantage of these beautification projects because they just don’t believe the funds are available. If you’re interested, facade improvement program grant, applications are being accepted through September 30. For more information, contact Gerry Lynn Hall at 803-545-3381. Nine additional North Main businesses have also been approved for commercial facelifts.