Columbia Closings   What's not in Columbia anymore

Google lists this place as temporarily closed, but as it is for sale, I think it is gone for good, though the web site is still up. I think it is safe to say this is a story that touches on news events, but I'm not going to comment on any pending issues about which I have no personal knowledge.

(Hat tip to commener John R)

I don't know much about this vet operation other than, judging by the Google reviews, it seems to have closed around 2020 and is right next door to the former Liberty Tax. I also am a bit surprised to find the Seven Oaks name this far towards I-26. I generally think of Seven Oaks as starting below Tram, but then I didn't grow up in the area and didn't really know the name until recent years.

(Hat tip to commenter Gypsie)

Devine Street changes character drastically after it crosses Beltline, and this little group of buildings is typical of this block of the street, or at least it was as the changes here will move it (probably) in a bit more upscale direction.

I am unable to find out anything about the second storefront in this block of four, which is presumably 4420 Devine Street, but the first business was Sports Talk Barber Shop at 4418 (which has moved to Green Lawn), the third business was Dark Horse Tattoo at 4422 and the last one, which has now been razed, was Capital Animal Hospital at 4424.

As you can see in the first picture, and the (too numerous) night-time ones the Animal Hospital was freestanding (if built quite close) and the other three addresses were joined. You can see a better picture of the Animal Hospital at LoopNet.

As mentioned by commenter 59 Ford Wheelman and confirmed by commenter Larry with this link, the block of three is to become the second location of Griffin Chophouse, which plans to open there in April of 2022.

(Hat tip to Justin S)

UPDATE 15 February 2021 -- Progress doesn't look especially fast:

I noticed this empty building on Pineview a few weeks back. It turns out to have been Merritt Veterinary Supplies which was a Columbia based company:

Merritt is headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, and was founded in 1938 by veterinarian Dr. Lloyd Merritt and his wife. Merritt has about 150 employees and offers a comprehensive line of products, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and equipment, some on an exclusive basis.

Merritt was bought last year by Henry Schein with the purchase finalizing in October 2017. I'm guessing the local office closed not long after that. Currently the building is vacant, but has been sold, so perhaps something else will be coming in soon.