Myrtle Beach is Planning for a Downtown Revitalization

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Looks like Downtown Myrtle Beach is getting a little facelift. Nothing too crazy, the City of Myrtle Beach is making plans to revitalize the downtown Superblock. City Council members have plans to inject a little more life into the growing city.

Myrtle Beach sees literally millions of tourists throughout the year who largely impact the core of the local economy. However, the city is also experiencing unprecedented residential growth. Many businesses are thriving, so the goal in revitalization is to maintain and continue to grow the area.

Declared an Opportunity Zone by the Federal Government, the possibilities for the area are endless. Myrtle Beach just turned 80 this year so in terms of age, this city is basically a toddler and has so much room for development. According to the council, a strong downtown is necessary for positive economic and social development where the downtown is a hub for cultural, commercial, and civic activities.

City council members’ proposals focus on establishing an identity for downtown Myrtle Beach. The goals and strategies to achieve that plan reside in four downtown districts – entertainment, the Superblock, the south mixed use area and Family Kingdom – all of which were established by the Myrtle Beach Downtown Redevelopment Corporation.

The concept for the project centers around repurposing buildings for a new children’s museum and library. The renderings show a two story children’s museum and a four story library. The second floor of the library will have an exhibit hall and a covered terrace, the third a space for classrooms and offices and the fourth floor would include a roof garden and observation deck with ocean views.

Of course every procedure comes with complications and Myrtle Beach’s revitalization concept it no different. The key issues they are tackling include public safety, a static experience for tourists, little draw to the area for permanent residents and lack of redevelopment in these areas. The City Council is also debating the possibility of giving the public a chance to weigh in at a forum, with the only downside being a $2,000 price tag.

According to the Downtown Redevelopment Committee, since 2005 the market value of downtown Myrtle Beach has grown from $300 to $534 million and +7 percent growth in market value between 2012 and 2017. The redevelopment is likely only to increase those numbers and see even more visitors and residents.