Urban Tour 2009: A big hit!

This year’s ultimate street fair took place right here on Main Street with the return of the Urban Tour on May 7, 2009. The number of expected attendees almost doubled this year with 2-3,000 guests partaking in the annual neighborhood festival.

Visitors and residents toured the area, enjoying the warm weather and relaxing sounds of Soul Food Jazz playing at Boyd Plaza in front of the Columbia Museum of Modern Art. Local restaurants and retailers opened their doors, welcoming the new patrons with free giveaways and gift certificates.

Participants eagerly made their way around the event, marking all stops on their way to the finale at the Nickelodeon Theatre for their chance to win different door prizes. Free carriage and shuttle rides were provided for those searching for a different means of travel, and Bud Light Lime offered landmarked beer stops along the way.

Capitol Places received a vast number of visitors at its own stop, where guests were treated to a variety of delicious Greek dishes, catered by Greek Boys on Sumter Street. Following the appetizers was the main course of touring a model apartment home in the historic Kress Building. Everyone was delighted to get this sneak peek into Main Street living.

City Center Partnership's 7th Anniversary Celebration a Huge Success

City Center Partnership's 7th Anniversary Celebration a Huge Success

Columbia, SC – November 18, 2008 – City Center Partnership (CCP) celebrated the downtown Business Improvement District’s (BID) seventh year anniversary at its annual meeting on Monday, November 17, at theColumbia Museum of Art.

A presentation showcasing City Center Partnership’s accomplishments over the past few years was presented by CCP Chairman and CEO of Edens & Avant, Terry Brown. Brown also presented the Chairman’s award to Karen Brosius, Executive Director of theColumbia Museum of Art, for the museum’s impact on the community including the new Keenan Fountain and world exhibits such as From Turner to Cezanne. Jeff Prioreschi, President of Capitol Places and a Principal with US Development also received the Chairman’s award for his work on redeveloping some of the most difficult downtown buildings into great living and commercial spaces. City Center Partnership awarded downtown legacy retailers who have been in business in the BID for 50 years or more.

Downtown Legacy Retailers who were recognized at the annual meeting:

• Sylvan’s Jewelers for 111 years.
• Moe Levy’s for 88 years
• People’s Pawn for 85 years
• Villa Tronco for 68 years
• Bonded Loan for 67 years
• Army Navy Store for 62 years
• King’s Jewelers for 62 years
• Star Music for 51 years
• House of Fabrics for over fifty years
• Tots to Teens for over fifty years
• T.O. Thompson Jewelers for over fifty years


What is a Business Improvement District

A Business Improvement District (BID) provides enhanced improvements and activities, such as security, maintenance and marketing, in addition to those services provided by local government. A property-based BID is based upon the “benefit assessment district” concept, which provides for an assessment on real property and improvements upon real property to be raised within a specific geographic district with the proceeds directed back to the district to provide enhanced services that benefit the district and properties located within the district boundaries.