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Chicago-based shopping center buyer, InvenTrust Properties Corp., has acquired the long-term lease to West Ashley Station in suburban Charleston. The deal was made with a Georgia firm that developed the U.S. Highway 17 property, according to a real estate transfer agreement filed June 20.

    The retail center, anchored by Whole Foods, benefits from an affluent and health-conscious demographic in the rapidly growing Charleston market. InvenTrust estimates that the center fronts a busy stretch of Savannah Highway near Farmfield Avenue, generating nearly 48,000 vehicle trips daily.

    InvenTrust's portfolio now includes three properties in the Charleston area, following two previous acquisitions within the past six months. The company has been actively investing in growth-oriented Sun Belt markets, driven by its new geographic preference.

    The acquisition is part of InvenTrust's capital reallocation plan, which aims to simplify and concentrate its portfolio in areas with robust economic fundamentals and population growth. Charleston was specifically listed as one of its primary target markets in the Southeast.