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Columbia’s historic Babcock Building has been cleared to undergo renovations after previously catching fire earlier this year.

The Babcock Building, located off Bull Street in downtown Columbia, was first built between 1857 and 1885 and was used to treat patients with mental illnesses. The building caught fire in September, causing extensive damage to the building’s historic dome and much of its interior.

The Babcock Building was undergoing renovations to create over 200 apartments in the historic structure before the blaze took place. The renovations will follow the same plan and cost around $55 million, which is being provided by a low-interest federal loan through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The project is supposed to take three years to complete and is part of a large-scale redevelopment plan for the BullStreet District.

In a statement on the approval of the renovation, Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin said, “This announcement is a tremendous Christmas gift to all of the Midlands. Babcock has an important place in our past and, more importantly, our future.”

In an effort to improve the safety and efficiency of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced some improvements are in the works. With the help of a federal grant of $2,744,932, the Columbia hub will see more than just a fresh coat of paint.

This year Trump delegated $10 billion in grants for improving aviation and airports across the U.S. As coronavirus has changed the way many are traveling, airports and the travel industry have taken a hard hit. This money simultaneously acts as a relief effort for those of the industry struggling.

The funding comes directly from “the U.S. Treasury Grand Fund to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency,” the Federal Aviation Administration explains in their frequently asked questions. Titled the “CARES Act”, the abbreviation stands for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security.

Columbia will implement this money through improvements made around the terminal building. Beginning with in-line bagging systems, new escalators, and baggage carousels, the changes will help streamline the traveling experience.