Columbus to continue downtown improvement grants

The city of Columbus is again funding a matching grant program to help downtown businesses improve their properties.

The city redevelopment commission approved a request this week from the Office of Downtown Development for $250,000 to continue the grants program.

The Downtown Improvement Grant program was originally launched during previous Mayor Jim Lienhoop’s term and provides matching grants to encourage businesses to improve their property. The program offers grants of up to $15,000 in matching funds for small and medium projects and up at $50,000 match for larger projects. The grant is used to reimburse the business after the work is completed.

Ike DeClue, head of the office, said that the original $250,000 provided for the grants is nearly exhausted and he expects demand to continue to increase. He said one of current trends will be for owners to renovate and reopen the second and third floors of their downtown properties.

You can get more information at oddcolumbus.com