News Summary
ESA Fitness in Myrtle Beach faces closure as its owner, Terrance Butler, has been issued a notice to vacate due to unpaid rent of over $20,000. As of April 1, 2025, Butler has until April 15 to leave the premises. Despite previous efforts to resolve the rent issues, the situation remains precarious for the local gym, leaving its future uncertain as it serves as a hub for health and community.
Myrtle Beach Faces Business Transition as ESA Fitness Owner Given Notice to Vacate
Myrtle Beach, an iconic destination known for its summer fun and spectacular views, is about to witness a change in one of its local fitness establishments. ESA Fitness, nestled at 515 9th Ave N, has found itself in a bit of a tricky situation due to unpaid rent, totaling a substantial $20,156.69. As of April 1, 2025, the city has officially given the gym owner, Terrance Butler, two weeks to vacate the premises.
The Details Unfold
It appears that Butler has decided to take the option of leaving voluntarily, rather than having to go through the stress of eviction proceedings. With a deadline set for April 15, 2025, the clock is ticking for Butler and the ESA Fitness team. It’s tough times for many small businesses, and this situation is no exception.
City spokesperson Meredith Denari clarified that the only reason for this notice is due to Butler’s failure to pay rent and falling into default on his lease agreement. While it’s a significant challenge for Butler, it’s worth mentioning that he is unique in this regard—this alert has not been issued to any other businesses in city-owned buildings along 9th Avenue, indicating that ESA Fitness’s situation is rather isolated.
Attempts for Resolution
Denari also noted that there had been previous communications and efforts made to assist Butler in resolving these recurring rent issues. Unfortunately, those attempts did not lead to a successful outcome, resulting in the city’s decision to issue the formal notice. It’s a tough lesson that sometimes, despite good intentions, situations can spiral out of control.
While many might wonder about the future of ESA Fitness, Butler himself has not made any public statements about the circumstances surrounding this relocation. With the decision now made, the focus shifts to what will happen next for both Butler and those who’ve come to rely on ESA Fitness for their health and wellness. A local gym can be more than just a place to work out; it often becomes a community hub where friendships are formed and support systems built. The loss of ESA Fitness may leave a hole in the hearts of its regular patrons.
Looking Ahead
The situation unfolds at an essential time, as the local economy continues to rebound from challenges faced in recent years. With Spring upon us, the beach town is bustling with residents and visitors alike, all flocking to the beautiful shores. As ESA Fitness’s story takes a turn, the community will be watching closely to see what Butler’s next steps will be, as well as who might fill the space left behind. Will it be another enticing gym? Or maybe a completely different type of business to attract beachgoers and locals?
In the end, while this chapter for ESA Fitness is closing, it’s a reminder that the ebb and flow of businesses is a natural part of community life. As Terrance Butler prepares to leave the downtown fitness scene, its patrons and the Myrtle Beach community will surely reflect on the months and years spent at ESA Fitness, with memories of hard workouts and fun challenges.
So what does the future hold for both Butler and the space at 515 9th Ave N? Time will tell, and as the hourglass runs down to the deadline, the sands of change are certainly beginning to shift in Myrtle Beach.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Grand Strand Magazine
- Google Search: Terrance Butler Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- WMBF News
- Google News: ESA Fitness Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach SC
- Google Scholar: ESA Fitness
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.
