NAI Columbia brokers sale of former Whit-Ash property in Columbia’s Vista district
September 29, 2025NAI Columbia announced the successful sale of the landmark Vista property formerly home to Whit-Ash Furnishings. The 1.3-acre site, featuring nearly 48,000 square feet of space, will soon be transformed into a vibrant mixed-use development with offices, retail, restaurants, and loft-style apartments.

The transaction was executed by NAI Columbia’s Cam Kreps, Bobby Balboni, CCIM, and Patrick Palmer, CCIM, who represented longtime owners Gerry and Whitney Black in the sale. The buyer, developer Todd Avant, is well-regarded in Columbia for his commitment to high-quality, community-focused projects.
“There are only a few places left in Downtown Columbia that I remember from childhood, and Whit-Ash is one of them. Having the honor to represent Gerry and Whitney Black in the sale of this property to a long-standing, highly respected developer like Todd Avant was truly special. Knowing that this landmark will continue to serve as an iconic piece of our city has been one of the lighthouse moments of my career in commercial real estate,” said Palmer.
Located in the heart of the Vista District, the property’s redevelopment is expected to add new vitality to downtown while honoring the site’s historic character. The project is the latest in a wave of investments that are shaping the Vista into one of Columbia’s most dynamic and thriving districts.
About NAI Columbia
NAI Columbia, headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, stands as a distinguished full-service commercial real estate firm offering a spectrum of specialized services, including brokerage, property management, project management, development, research, and consulting. As a broker-owned entity, NAI Columbia leverages over 200 years of collective local expertise among its seven-partners.
For additional details on NAI Columbia and its comprehensive suite of services, please visit www.naicolumbia.com







