Myrtle Beach Takes a Big Step Forward in the Arts & Innovation District
Exciting things are happening in Myrtle Beach! The city is officially moving into a new phase of construction in the Arts & Innovation District, and things are about to get a lot more interesting. Last week, the City Council gave the green light to an ordinance that dedicates a whopping $16.5 million for projects in this up-and-coming area. It’s about time we see some fresh new developments, don’t you think?
What’s Been Done So Far
For over a year now, construction has been bustling in this area, but a lot of the work has been behind the scenes—literally! Much of the focus has been on improving essential underground infrastructure. Picture it: over 7,500 feet of water lines and more than 11,000 feet of sewer lines have been upgraded, along with a shiny new pump station and a stormwater pond along Balsam Street. It’s like giving the city’s guts a much-needed makeover!
Chris Miller, the city’s infrastructure project manager, explains it best: “We have a lot of new commercial and residential buildings coming into the district, and the current infrastructure that is in the ground cannot support that.” By upgrading everything in size and capacity, they are setting the stage for a bustling, vibrant district!
What’s Coming Next?
This next phase is where the fun really begins for residents and visitors alike. The city plans to add new sidewalks, bike lanes, and enhance street lighting and landscaping. Just think about how nice it would be to stroll or bike around the area, soaking in the sights without worrying about safety!
Miller also touched on one of the more complicated intersections in town: Oak Street and 9th Avenue N. It can be a bit of a head-scratcher, can’t it? “It’s five individual roadways with one traffic light,” he noted, which can leave drivers feeling a bit bewildered. To tackle this tricky intersection, they’ll be redesigning the road to create safer corridors for all—whether you’re on foot or cruising in your car.
Temporary Changes Ahead
As with any construction project, there will be some temporary changes to navigate. First up, the nearby intersection of Oak Street and 5th Avenue N. will be shut down in the next couple of days. But don’t stress too much; that closure is only expected to last about a week while crews work to connect the sewer lines to the new pump station. Just think of it as a minor hiccup on the road to a much more beautiful and functional district!
Looking to the Future
All these exciting improvements within the Arts & Innovation District are set to be completed within the next three years. Imagine how different things will look and feel by then! With a mix of enhanced infrastructure and new public spaces, Myrtle Beach is well on its way to becoming an even more delightful place for everyone—whether you’re a local, a visitor, or someone dreaming of making this lovely beach town your home!
So, let’s get ready for a bright future ahead! Make sure to keep an eye out for more updates as this project continues. There’s nothing quite like watching our city grow and transform before our eyes. Who knows what wonderful surprises await us in the Arts & Innovation District?
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.
