North Columbia seeks to rebrand, revitalize district

North Columbia’s business district is undertaking a major rebranding effort that local leaders say will put a new light on the area’s rich history and its successful businesses and residents.

“We’ve allowed ourselves to be defined by others too long,” said Sabrina Odom, North Columbia Business Association executive director. “The rebranding is designed to shine the light more on what our area is about. The rebranding will bring revitalization, growth and development to another new hot spot in the Columbia region.”

Plans for the North Columbia business district’s rebrand are to be announced on Monday during a National Small Business Week celebration at the Trestle Building at 2965 North Main St.

North Columbia consists of some of the area’s best-known neighborhoods and landmarks, Odom noted, ranging from Eau Claire and Earlewood to Columbia College and the Monteith School, formerly the Booker T. Washington School.

While North Columbia also is a collection of unique small businesses and specialty shops, many with 50 to 60 years of continuing service, Odom said, the area is well known for some of the city’s trademark businesses, such as the Pepsi-Cola Bottling plant.

“We have buildings with good bones and good structures,” she said. “We have historic neighborhoods such as Seminary Ridge and Elmwood – Logan School. There are so many good things here that not enough people realize.”

Odom said the association’s 100 members welcome new businesses. The association will issue a roster of North Columbia businesses at Monday’s event, which begins at 10 a.m.

This story was originally published May 1, 2015 at 2:26 PM with the headline "North Columbia seeks to rebrand, revitalize district."