A
vant Holdings, a South Carolina real estate development and investment company, is set to acquire the historic Whit-Ash Furnishing properties in Columbia's Vista district. The 47,590-square-foot property spans from Gervais Street to Lady Street and includes three buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

    The acquisition marks Avant Holdings' latest expansion in the Vista District, where they already own several properties, including the Dupre Building and the former National Biscuit Company Warehouse. Managing partner Todd Avant expressed excitement about "breathe[ing] new life" into the site through a full historic restoration paired with a mixed-use development featuring experiential retail, dining, office space, and potentially luxury loft residences.

    The properties were built in the early 1900s and have served various purposes over the years. The 911 Gervais Street building, known as "The Dispensary," retains its original hardwood floors and decorative fireplace mantles. The 919 Gervais Street building features an open layout with high ceilings and original hardwood flooring.

    Avant Holdings is partnering with Studio 2LR (Architecture + Interiors) and Mashburn Construction to lead design and construction efforts. Early exterior renderings have been developed, but the plans are subject to change based on input from stakeholders, including the City of Columbia and the State Historic Preservation Office.

    Proposed plans for each building include:

    * 911 Gervais Street: a restaurant or retail business on the first floor, with the second floor potentially used as private dining space, a loft apartment, or office space.

    * 919 Gervais Street: a retail space on the first floor and either Class A creative office space or loft-style apartments for the second floor.

    * 914 Lady Street: currently under evaluation for market-driven uses such as Class A office space, loft-style residential apartments, or retail.

    Avant Holdings expects to close on the property later in the summer and is applying for state and federal historic tax credits.