Columbia’s Vista fire station to be redeveloped

Historic landmark to offer upscale location for restaurants, retailers and/or office users

COLUMBIA, SC – The first stage of redevelopment of Columbia’s historic Vista Fire Station will launch later this year, according to the new owner, Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, which purchased the property at the end of June. The property, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, will be renovated to offer upscale space for restaurants, retailers and/or office users while maintaining its historic character. Wheeler has partnered with Colliers International’s JP Scurry, CCIM and Scottie Smith to launch a leasing campaign for the property.

Located in the downtown Vista district, the Vista Fire Station was one of the most advanced fire stations when built between 1949 and 1951, but has struggled to find a purpose in the reimagined Vista, which has transformed from a warehouse district to a vibrant commercial, residential, shopping, dining and arts district.

Jon S. Wheeler, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We first began pursuing this property over three years ago, and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to acquire this historic and centrally located asset. Columbia’s Vista Fire Station is in a prime location where retail is thriving and the area is rich in historic and cultural offerings that attract local residents and visitors. We view it as one of the best opportunities in the city for its location and visibility in the Vista. Upon completion of the project, we believe that this retail property will generate strong returns on our investment.”

Scurry, a Vice President of Colliers International South Carolina, and Smith, a Brokerage Associate, are members of the Colliers International Retail Services Team and have successfully leased a number of properties in the Vista.

“It is exciting to see such a historic property get a second chance to be a thriving part of the city,” said Scurry. “It is a very attractive opportunity for new businesses to embrace that historic character in such a well-located building.”

The redeveloped Vista Fire Station will have up to 35,000 square feet available for lease, and Colliers International is actively seeking tenants now.

JP Scurry, CCIM and Scottie Smith

About Colliers International
Colliers International Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CIGI; TSX: CIG) is a global leader in commercial real estate services with more than 16,300 professionals operating from 502 offices in 67 countries. With an enterprising culture and significant insider ownership, Colliers professionals provide a full range of services to real estate occupiers, owners and investors worldwide. Services include brokerage, global corporate solutions, investment sales and capital markets, project management and workplace solutions, property and asset management, consulting, valuation and appraisal services, and customized research and thought leadership. Colliers International has been ranked among the top 100 outsourcing firms by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals’ Global Outsourcing for 10 consecutive years, more than any other real estate services firm.

Colliers International | South Carolina has over 160 staff members, including 60 real estate professionals. Total brokerage volume for the firm in 2014 was approximately $464 million involving over 900 sales and leasing transactions. Colliers International is the largest manager of commercial property in South Carolina and is an Accredited Management Organization (AMO) through the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), with a portfolio of approximately 12 million square feet of office, industrial, retail and healthcare properties. Colliers International’s staff holds 53 professional designations, the most of any firm in South Carolina.