Historic Columbia furniture store to become luxury living, destination dining
Luxury apartments, destination dining, modern office space and more are envisioned for three historic properties in Columbia’s Vista neighborhood.
The century-old buildings in question most recently housed Whit-Ash Furnishings, which closed last year after 52 years in business.
Local real estate development company Avant Holdings envisions a slate of new uses for the properties.
“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,” said Avant Holdings managing partner Todd Avant in a statement announcing the project.
The Vista Properties in question include nearly 48,000 square feet of space. They include the former Nabisco warehouse at 914 Lady Street, built in 1918; the former Murray Drug Company building at 919 Gervais Street, constructed in 1906; and a former county liquor dispensary and later a portion of the Seaboard Hotel at 911 Gervais Street, built in 1900.
Developers are hoping to utilize state and federal historic tax credits for the work on the buildings, which will include restoring historic features. Developers plan to restore the Murray Drug Company building to its 1925 appearance. Plans also include a “historically inspired” mural on the building’s west side.
Exactly what will occupy the buildings once they are renovated remains an open question, but luxury living options and culinary offerings that could draw people from outside Columbia are among the developers’ ideas.
Avant Holdings sees the building at 911 Gervais Street as ideal for a restaurant, coffee or wine bar, or an upscale retail store, or a restaurant downstairs and apartments or office space on the building’s second floor.
The vision for 919 Gervais Street includes high-end retail and space for covered outdoor seating, as well as space for office space or high-end loft apartments.
At 914 Lady Street, developers see the opportunity for office, retail or apartments, depending on “market demand.”
Avant Holdings is expected to close on the purchase of the Vista properties later this summer, according to a release.
This story was originally published June 26, 2025 at 6:05 AM.
