ARTS &
INNOVATION
DISTRICT
Building The New City Center
Spring 2021
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In December 2020, Myrtle Beach City Council committed the next round of resources for our Downtown Master Plan implementation with the adoption of the new Arts & Innovation District Advanced Plan. This new core downtown district falls entirely within a Federal Opportunity Zones and encompasses the Downtown Historic District. There are several projects already completed, underway and in active planning stages within the Arts and Innovation District.
The intent of the Arts and Innovation District is to create a sustainable and walkable mixed-use urban environment that will serve as the hub of artistic, cultural and civic life in the traditional core of downtown Myrtle Beach. As a year-round destination for both residents and visitors, the district’s primary uses are supported by a wide range of businesses that help to maintain a vibrant atmosphere. Building design is in harmony with the character of the area and establishes a continuity of pedestrian-oriented frontages between adjacent buildings. This is further supported by pedestrian oriented urban design, the active use of outdoor space for dining and entertainment, encouraging the development of upper-story residences in mixed-use buildings, and the incorporation of both active and passive public spaces throughout the district.
What's Happening Now?​
All of Arts & Innovation District Declared Federal Opportunity Zone - Completed Spring 2018
Created New Zoning Classification (ART) Arts and Innovation District - Completed Winter 2018
Downtown Historic District Designation - Completed Fall 2019
Historic Tax Credit Incentives and Private Development - Ongoing
Nance Plaza Reimagined - Public Space - Completed Spring 2021
HTC Aspire HUB - Coworking Center - Completed Fall 2021
Underground Utility Infrastructure - Ongoing - Phase 1 Core Parking Lot Infrastructure competed Summer 2022
9th Avenue North Historic Preservation and Adaptive Reuse - Ongoing City Funded Phase Complete Fall 2021
Main Street Theater Historic Preservation and Reuse - Ongoing TBD
HWY 501 Realignment RIDE3 Project - Estimated Completion 2025
THE VISION BOOK - "A Plan to Forge Our Arts & Innovation"
Updated - September 29, 2022
Decades in the making, the Arts & Innovation District started to take shape when passionate individuals from various sectors and industries came together under a singular vision to elevate the experience of downtown Myrtle beach. The dynamic vision celebrates the vibrant heyday of the city's past, showcases the creativity of the present, and capitalizes upon innovative thinking of the future. Ambitious planning at this scale required the removal of physical and economic hurdles to growth as well as a broad strategy that empowered stakeholders. This bold effort brought together experts from across various industries and sectors with a common goal to help downtown Myrtle Beach realize it's potential.
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9th Avenue N.
properties
The City of Myrtle Beach is highlighting 4 retail/restaurant units available for lease. 2 units may be purchased. Properties are vanilla shell finish providing use and design flexibility. Water, sewer & electrical roughed in each space. HVAC rooftop units in place. Size and sq. footage range from 2,280 - 9,904 (maximum contiguous). Properties are located within the Arts & Innovation District (ART zoning classification). Expected delivery date is 4th Quarter - 2021.
infrastructure
"Out With The Old, In With The New"
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The City has dedicated substantial resources to the Arts & Innovation District's aging infrastructure. We've begun the repairs and upgrades within the heart of the District so that private sector growth can occur at the core and disseminate from there. New Water and Sewer is now in place at $1.34 Million with electric, telephone, and cable upgrades to occur Fall 2021. This major investment should meet the demand of any business wishing to move in.
Infrastructure
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historic district
"Preserving Memories & Materials"
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History has it's fingerprint in every great downtown across the Nation. Our city is at a transition point in time when the buildings most desperate for new life are those becoming eligible for historic tax incentives. The new Downtown Historic District includes two completed historic preservation efforts with six more storefronts underway. Two of these projects include a 300-seat theater for the performing arts and a co-working center, i.e. HTC Aspire Hub.
historic
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green space & Parks
"Building The New City Square"
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A major element in our vision of reclaiming downtown is to construct a new City Square where our residents and visitors can come "be a local." The new City Square will be a place for reliable activation of our weekly farmer's markets, annual events, and every-thing in between. The most recent public space improvement is Nance Plaza. Nance Plaza anchors the Art & Innovation District to the east, as well as the Historic District. New business has invested adjacent to the Plaza and thriving.
green Space & Parks
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Art & Culture
"It's In The Name"
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What would the Arts & Innovation District be without art and culture. By design, the zoning language was written to encourage creativity and diversity within the district. A large number of groups and advocates have been waiting in the wing for the City to take notice of our "art gap." The individuals are actively discussing ideas for projects within the district, and even more, creating plans to grow the arts and culture here.
Art & culture
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