Downtown Development
The revitalization activities in Downtown Sumter have stimulated a great deal of interest and activity in the Central Business District. The streetscape project, renovation to our parking lots and the numerous buildings that have received a facelift through our Facade Grant Program have all served as a catalyst for development by the private sector.
Revitalization in downtown Sumter is on the move with new buildings and the opening of businesses. The Economic Development building was new construction completed on East Liberty Street in February 2018 and the Hyatt Place Hotel opened on Main Street in April 2018. Businesses that have opened in recent years in newly refurbished buildings are J. O'Gradys After Hours, Grady Ervin & Co., One Accord, F45 Fitness Studio, Bohemian Swan, Sidebar On Main, and Sumter Original Brewery, just to name a few.
Because of the revitalization efforts, buildings that have been for sale for an extended period of time are now selling and the new owners are providing the necessary renovations to make the properties an attractive asset to the downtown area. To find out more about the economic development opportunities in Downtown Sumter, contact the Downtown Development Office at (803) 436-2635.
Available Property
Most properties in the downtown area are owned by private parties who handle the sale and leasing of those properties. However, if you need general information regarding size, suitable use and location, you may contact the City of Sumter Downtown Development Office at (803) 436-2635.
Click here to see a list of available commercial properties.
Economic Incentives
Several economic incentive programs are available for new or existing businesses in the Downtown Sumter area. The program boundaries are from Calhoun Street to Oakland Avenue and Washington Street to Harvin Street. The programs include:
Low Interest Loan Pool
The City of Sumter, Santee Lynches Regional Development Corporation, and eight area financial institutions have established a Low Interest Loan Program to encourage development, re-development and general improvement to commercial and residential properties in the Downtown Sumter central business district. The eligible area is bounded by Calhoun Street south to Bartlette Street and Washington Street east to Harvin Street.
Any commercial or residential project in the eligible area qualifies under the program as long as funds are available. The main objective of the program is to provide a strong financial incentive for the rehabilitation of the exterior and interior of building structures in downtown Sumter. Another goal is to insure that the proposed rehabilitation work is of a quality design and is sensitive to the architectural and historical qualities that make our downtown buildings distinctive.
For complete details of the program, contact the City of Sumter Downtown Development Office at (803) 436-2635.
Façade Grant Program
The Façade grant program is available to business and/or building owners that are located in the designated Façade Grant area of the City of Sumter. Façade grant renovation can be used on an exterior portion of the building that is visible to the public. This can include the front, back and sides of the building. Façade grant money may not be used for interior renovations or roof repair. This is a competitive grant program. You may download the program details and application or contact Leigh Newman, City of Sumter Downtown Development Coordinator at (803) 436-2635.
Contact:
Leigh Newman
Downtown Development Coordinator
21 N. Main Street
Sumter, SC 29150
803-436-235
[email protected]