Downtown Improvements Grant Program

The Downtown Improvements Grant Program is administered by the Office of Downtown Development in Columbus and is designed to support economic vitality and historic preservation within the city’s designated downtown area. The program is overseen by a structured review process in which applications are first supported by staff guidance and then evaluated by a five member Downtown Improvements Grant Program Committee before final recommendations are submitted to a governing board for approval. This structure ensures both administrative support for applicants and a formalized, multi step evaluation process for funding decisions. The primary purpose of the program is to stimulate investment in downtown Columbus through the preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of historic commercial buildings. The initiative emphasizes maintaining and enhancing the architectural character of the city while encouraging economic activity. By improving building facades and interiors, the program aims to create an attractive environment that draws businesses, customers, and visitors. In addition to economic goals, the program promotes cultural and architectural appreciation by encouraging property owners to preserve historic features and align improvements with the existing character of downtown structures. Funding supports a wide range of eligible expenses focused on long term improvements rather than temporary or cosmetic upgrades. Allowable uses include interior demolition and reconstruction, installation of permanent systems such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and lighting, and structural improvements such as flooring, windows, doors, and storefronts. The program also supports restoration of historic interior features, construction of permanent interior walls and finishes, and installation of fixed business infrastructure such as counters and point of sale areas. Professional services, including architectural design, permitting, and compliance with accessibility standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, are also eligible. Environmental remediation activities such as asbestos removal and lead abatement are included as allowable expenses, reflecting the program’s focus on comprehensive rehabilitation. The program operates under a matching reimbursement model, offering two funding tiers based on project scale. Tier one supports small to medium projects with matching funds up to fifteen thousand dollars, while tier two supports larger retail based projects with matching funds up to fifty thousand dollars. In both cases, funds are reimbursed after project completion, requiring applicants to have sufficient upfront capital. Application requirements vary slightly by tier but generally include a completed grant application and a detailed project estimate, with larger projects also requiring a cover letter. Eligibility is limited to properties located within the designated Downtown Improvement Area that are primarily used for commercial activity. Eligible uses include retail, services, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, galleries, cultural spaces, and professional offices. Applicants and properties must be in good standing with the city, meaning no delinquent property taxes, outstanding liens, fines, or unresolved code compliance issues. This ensures that public funds are directed toward compliant and active contributors to the downtown economy. The application process follows a predictable quarterly cycle, providing four opportunities each year for applicants to submit proposals. Each cycle includes an application window, followed by a review period and subsequent funding announcement. For example, the first quarter cycle opens on January first and closes February fifteenth, with review occurring in March and awards announced by April first. This quarterly structure repeats throughout the year with consistent timing for submission, review, and notification, allowing applicants to plan projects strategically around funding availability. Applicants are encouraged to prepare materials in advance and submit early within each application window. The process consists of submitting required documentation during the open period, undergoing committee review, and awaiting award decisions shortly thereafter. Questions and application support are available through the Office of Downtown Development, with a designated contact person providing direct assistance. This structured yet recurring approach ensures accessibility, predictability, and alignment with ongoing downtown development goals.

Ensure project aligns with historic preservation goals and submit complete cost estimates early in the cycle