News Summary
Myrtle Beach residents are wondering about the stalled transformation of the former First Presbyterian Church into a 1920s themed entertainment venue. Originally announced by Mayfair Hospitality nearly two years ago, the project has seen no progress since 2022. The once vibrant plans now seem to have faded, leaving the building abandoned and community hopes dashed. With no updates from the developers and no action taken, the future of this iconic property remains uncertain as locals are left questioning its fate.
Myrtle Beach: What’s Happening with the Former First Presbyterian Church?
Myrtle Beach residents might remember the buzz that surrounded plans for a 1920s themed bar to breathe new life into the old First Presbyterian Church, which has been a staple in the community for decades. Nearly two years ago, excitement filled the air when Mayfair Hospitality announced its ambitious vision to transform the beloved but now-empty church building into a funky entertainment hub, complete with a bar, restaurant, bowling alley, mini-golf, arcade, and even a rooftop area!
A Trip Back in Time
If you’re not familiar with the idea, think of a venue that pays homage to the roaring twenties – vibrant décor, lively music, and a lively atmosphere where old-school charm meets modern fun. It was all inspired by the original Roar venue in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The hope was for Myrtle Beach to get its own version, a fun escape for locals and tourists alike.
Where’s the Progress?
As of January 29, 2025, however, it seems that the plans have hit a serious snag. The former church building, which has sat vacantly since its congregation moved to a new location back in 2019, looks completely abandoned. It’s hard to ignore the fact that there has been virtually no movement on the project since 2022.
Located on Kings Highway between 13th and 14th Avenue North, the 77-year-old church has a lot of history, but sadly, those dreams of transformation have not materialized. Many residents have noticed the visible signs of neglect with most of its windows covered and no trace of contractors working on-site. Aside from a solitary “Roar Myrtle Beach” sign placed in front of the building, there appear to be no developments in sight.
The Ongoing Wait
Even more concerning is that since the announcement, there have been no updates from Mayfair Hospitality. Despite multiple requests for comments, anything from them has been radio silent. In March 2023, Mayfair’s managing partner informed the Myrtle Beach City Council that they were in the purchasing process. Fast forward to 2025, and there’s still no evidence of any progress.
Community Interest Lingers
Before Mayfair’s grand plans were laid out, the property had caught the eyes of various local entities including the city itself and Coastal Carolina University. All parties seemed eager to explore options for the cherished space and its potential in the community. Sadly, nothing has turned into action, and the neighborhood continues to look at an untouched building filled with memories of gatherings and celebrations.
Status Quo
The local records show that ownership currently lies with Roar Myrtle Beach LLC, but no permits related to any redevelopment plan have been filed with city officials. The community is left wondering if hopes for the quirky entertainment venue will become a reality or if they will see yet another chapter of inactivity for this historic building.
What’s Next?
With each passing day, questions loom larger: Will Myrtle Beach ever see its version of a roaring twenties bar in this storied structure? Or will it simply be a nostalgic dream that fades away? As more time goes by, the community eagerly awaits news and, perhaps, some much-needed action regarding the future of this idle property.
For now, the buzz has somewhat quieted, leaving Myrtle Beach to ponder the fate of this once-promising venture. In the meantime, fingers crossed for a little bit of movement, some energetic renovations, and ultimately a vibrant new gathering spot that honors the history of the First Presbyterian Church while offering a taste of fun from the past!
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- Horry News: Old First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach
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- Post and Courier: Mica Miller, JP Solid Rock Pastor Myrtle Beach
- Country 103.7 FM: New Myrtle Beach Restaurant with 3 Bars
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Historical Society
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach News
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
