Avant Holdings plans to purchase and restore the former Whit-Ash buildings in the Vista

Avant Holdings, LLC, a South Carolina-based real estate development and investment company, is under contract to acquire the former Whit-Ash Furnishing properties, a prominent historic landmark in Columbia’s Vista district. The site spans from Gervais Street to Lady Street, between Lincoln and Park streets, and includes three architecturally significant buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Together, the three buildings total approximately 47,590 square feet across 1.3 acres and offer the advantage of convenient onsite parking.

“We are excited about the opportunity to breathe new life into this rare infill site, just two blocks from the State Capitol, Main Street and the University of South Carolina,” says Todd Avant, managing partner of Avant Holdings. “Our vision is to deliver a full historic restoration paired with a thoughtfully curated mixed-use development that includes experiential retail, destination dining, Class A creative office space and potentially luxury loft residences.”

Founded by brothers Whitney and Gerry Black in 1972, Whit-Ash Furnishings began as a small showroom in Five Points before relocating to Gervais Street, where it became one of the first retailers in the now-thriving Vista district. Over the next five decades, the family-run business grew into a multi-building destination for furniture and home décor, serving generations of loyal customers. As respected community members and early contributors to the Vista’s revitalization, the Black brothers have retired and closed the store after 52 years.

Avant Holdings brings significant expertise in historic preservation and adaptive reuse to this project and is teaming up with long-standing partners, Studio 2LR (Architecture + Interiors) and Mashburn Construction, who are leading design and construction efforts, respectfully.

History and Future Use

Exterior renderings, developed by Studio 2LR in collaboration with Avant Holdings, offer a conceptual look at the future use of these buildings. These early design elevations are subject to change and will continue to evolve through ongoing coordination with City of Columbia staff, the State Historic Preservation Office, the National Park Service and key Vista stakeholders.

911 Gervais Street

• Building History: Known as “The Dispensary,” the 911 Gervais building was built in 1900 as a county liquor dispensary and later became part of the Seaboard Hotel in 1931, housing an onsite café. The building retains original hardwood floors, exposed brick, decorative fireplace mantles and historic architectural detailing. The building’s gross square footage is 5,002, which includes the first and second story levels.
• Prospective Future Use: Ideal for a restaurant, wine bar or retail on the first floor, with the second floor offering potential for private dining to complement a restaurant, an Airbnb suite, loft apartment or creative office space. Proposed restoration plans include the replacement of deteriorated or missing windows, reopening original window openings that were previously bricked in, and reintroducing both the second-story balcony and cornice — both of which are architectural features that once defined the building’s historic façade.

919 Gervais Street

• Building History: Built in 1906 for The Murray Drug Company, this two-story building with a full basement is a notable example of early 20th-century commercial architecture and is part of the West Gervais Historic District. Designed by local firm Shand & Lafaye, it retains significant original architectural elements. The building’s gross square footage is 32,159, which includes the first, second and basement levels. The first floor offers an open layout with 13- to 14- foot ceilings, original hardwood flooring, exposed round wood columns, and plaster walls. The second-floor features soaring ceilings, painted brick walls, original hardwood floors, a historic skylight and original fire doors.
• Prospective Future Use: Plans call for high-end, experiential retail on the first floor and Class A creative office space or loft-style apartments remain a potential alternative on the second floor. Conceptual restoration plans aim to return the building to its 1925 appearance, as reflected in period photographs. The building will feature restored historic features, expansive views of the State Capital and the Vista skyline, outdoor covered seating and a historically inspired mural.

914 Lady Street

• Building History: Constructed in 1918, this building is listed in the West Gervais Historic District as the former National Biscuit Company Warehouse, commonly known as Nabisco. This single-story structure comprises approximately 10,430 gross square feet. The building features high ceilings, original hardwood floors, three historic skylights, and window openings along the West side that can be reopened to enhance natural light throughout the space.
• Prospective Future Use: The space is being evaluated for market-driven Class A office, loft-style residential or retail uses that align with the larger mixed-use redevelopment vision and strategy for the property.

The project is currently in the final stages of due diligence, with closing anticipated later this summer. Avant Holdings is actively pursuing both state and federal historic tax credits and is in the process of preparing applications for the Bailey Bill and Design/Development Review Commission (DDRC) with the City of Columbia.

These properties are a strategic addition to Avant’s existing portfolio in the Vista, which includes a couple National Register-listed buildings such as the DuPre Building (807 Gervais Street), the former National Biscuit Company Warehouse (915 Lady Street), and the historically significant Victory Savings Bank (919 Washington Street).

For more information about these three Vista buildings, email Todd Avant at [email protected].

 

ABOUT AVANT HOLDINGS, LLC

Avant Holdings LLC is a South Carolina-based real estate development and investment company. The firm’s focus is urban infill, historic adaptive reuse, build to suits and value-add opportunities. The principals of Avant Holdings have decades of diversified development experience, including urban mixed-use, historic preservation, medical, shopping centers, land development and office buildings. Email [email protected] for more information.