Shift Capital and Lument Join GBX Group in Completing Pickens Street Cottages at Historic Columbia, S.C. Site

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Gbx Group has completed Pickens Street Cottages, an adaptive reuse development on the grounds of the historic W.B. Smith Whaley House at 1527 Gervais Street in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. Shift Capital and Lument participated in the project, which was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and property tours on June 16, 2026.

Project Overview and Partners

GBX Group developed Pickens Street Cottages in partnership with Rogers Lewis Group, LLC and Heartwood Homes. The project converts underutilized surface lots on the W.B. Smith Whaley House grounds into new infill residences designed to complement the historic character of the site. The development offers rental units suited for short-term and long-term stays, targeting visitors, traveling professionals, and longer-term residents. The property is located within walking distance of downtown Columbia's cultural destinations, including a local university.

Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann attended the June 16 ceremony and issued a proclamation recognizing the collaborative effort behind the project.

Adaptive Reuse Approach

The development preserves the historic W.B. Smith Whaley House while introducing new construction on previously underutilized portions of the grounds. According to GBX Group, the project was designed to be historically appropriate to the existing site context.

"Pickens Street Cottages is exactly the kind of project we're proud to bring to communities, as it respects the past while meeting today's needs," said Jeff Prioreschi, President of Development of GBX Group. "By preserving the historic W.B. Smith Whaley House grounds and thoughtfully transforming underutilized surface lots into historically appropriate new in-fill, we're adding new energy to downtown Columbia and creating high-quality rental options that offer guests and residents a one-of-a-kind place to stay."

Robert Lewis of Rogers Lewis Group, LLC added: "This project is a testament to what's possible when partners share a commitment to thoughtful development and long-term neighborhood value. Pickens Street Cottages strengthens the downtown experience while honoring the character of a site that matters to Columbia."

David Bergmann of Heartwood Homes noted the design intent behind the finished product: "From design to craftsmanship, our goal was to create spaces that feel authentic. Pickens Street Cottages blends historic context with modern comfort, and we're excited to welcome guests and residents into these homes."

Shift Capital and Lument Involvement

Shift Capital and Lument are confirmed participants in the Pickens Street Cottages project. The source material does not specify the nature or scope of each party's role in the transaction.

Location and Market Context

Pickens Street Cottages is situated in the heart of downtown Columbia, a market that has seen continued interest in historic preservation and adaptive reuse development. The project adds rental inventory to an area with proximity to cultural institutions and the local university, positioning the property to serve a range of short- and long-term occupants.

The grand opening event drew preservation advocates and community stakeholders, reflecting the project's emphasis on neighborhood integration alongside its development objectives.