DOWNTOWN
MASTER PLAN
LATEST NEWS - "$34 Million dollar infrastructure work is underway"
December 1, 2023
Construction activity has begun along major roadways in the downtown. A new sewer pump station serving the Arts & Innovation District is being installed at the westernmost boundary of the district, along with electrical conduit begin installed along 6th Avenue N. and Oak Street. The work along this corridor should be completed ahead of the US Hwy 501 Realignment project scheduled to break ground in Summer 2024. The City, then, will continue critical infrastructure upgrades across each corridor with the Arts & Innovation District including road realignments which prioritize the pedestrian and create a safer traffic pattern for vehicles.
"City Council Adopts Myrtle Beach Downtown Master Plan"
March 12, 2019
In July of 2018 the City undertook a master planning process to determine a clear path for the revitalization of Downtown Myrtle Beach. Over the next 8 months the general public was engaged in a variety of ways. In addition to opportunities at monthly DRC and City Council meetings, over 100 individuals were engaged through an initial series of small group listening sessions. Among others, the listening groups included business and property owners and operators, real estate professionals, developers, Coastal Carolina University, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Economic Development, and potential investors. The resulting plan was adopted by City Council in March 2019. Phase 1 Implementation Updates are given to City Council each month. The Downtown Development Office, City Managers, and Department Heads meet each month to review the update presentation together. The City has placed a high level of importance on establishing this cross-functional team dedicated to the necessary collaboration and communication it will take to execute the Downtown Master Plan vision.
Message From Our Mayor
"There is no better time than now to invest in the future of Myrtle Beach. Since the adoption of our Downtown Master Plan, the City has dedicated a tremendous amount of resources to ensure the successful implementation of our revitalization efforts. We realize that we must invest in order to create a vital and thriving downtown that will appeal to all who live, work and visit our beautiful City. We invite you to join us on this successful journey as we forever change the heart of Myrtle Beach for generations to come! "
- Mayor Brenda Bethune
Downtown Master Plan Study Area
MYRTLE BEACH DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN
A New Vision for Downtown
The vision developed for the Master Plan was primarily based on extensive public input, listening sessions with City Council and a variety of focus groups, and results of the Downtown Assessment. Our vision statements are based on the ideal conditions for downtown will be in the future if the issues and values important to the community are completely addressed.
"Vision Based on Identity" The vision statement themes, ideas and values were organized by geographic identity and location. Early on in the development of the Master Plan, it became clear that there were four distinct geographies within downtown Myrtle Beach.
The Oceanfront is a vibrant, safe and accessible year-round destination for locals, metro residents and visitors. New family attractions, parks, an improving food scene and new/restored motels are drawing visitors in record numbers. The extended Boardwalk links up Withers Swash, the Oceanfront and 14th Avenue North to residential areas and close in neighborhoods east and west of King’s Highway. The energy of the Oceanfront now spreads in three rows.
King’s Highway corridor has been tamed, softened and shaded. New streetscapes and intersections calm traffic and improve safety. Improved landscaping requirements have greened the street. Changing public art at key intersections creates a cool vibe and provides visual landmarks for visitors. This corridor now has Myrtle Beach identity.
Broadway and Main Street, the historic heart of downtown, is flourishing. Empty nesters, young couples and families are living, working and playing along the street. Most neighbors in the revitalized residential areas surrounding downtown just walk or bike to Broadway on new greenways, trails and sidewalks. Small independent services, professional offices and retailers are taking hold. Locals have reclaimed “Main Street”
The Arts District is the perfect weave of arts, culture, craft and creativity. It draws locals and visitors year-round with live performances, craft beers/spirits, a small food hall and market in unique and historic structures. Across King’s Highway, the old pavilion is a lively new mixeduse destination that delivers thousands of daily visitors.