News Summary
The North Myrtle Beach City Council has approved a revised plan for The Preserve, reducing the number of homes from 826 to 597, promoting a balanced community development. The project will consist of three phases, featuring townhome units while addressing community concerns about density. Developers AmveStar Capital, LLC and Longleaf Real Estate have engaged with residents to create a more suitable residential environment. The council emphasized sustainable development in light of ongoing housing demands.
North Myrtle Beach City Council Greenlights Reduced Home Development Plan for The Preserve
The North Myrtle Beach City Council has taken a significant step forward in shaping the future of housing developments in the region. On April 8, 2025, the council approved the second and final reading of the development changes for the highly anticipated housing project known as The Preserve.
Located strategically between Water Tower and Henry Roads, this development was initially designed to feature a whopping 826 homes, a plan that was greenlit back in 2022. However, after extensive reviews and community discussions, the proposal has been dramatically reworked to reduce the number of homes to 597. This adjustment reflects a concerted effort to balance the demands for housing with the community’s desires to manage density effectively.
Phased Construction Unveiled
The Preserve will be constructed in three separate phases, marking a systematic approach to the building process. Notably, the originally proposed five-story apartment towers have been scrapped from the blueprint. In their place, developers will focus on a vibrant townhome neighborhood, a shift that aligns more closely with the community’s feedback.
Furthermore, a sizable planned 10,000-square-foot commercial space will not be part of The Preserve, simplifying the development and ensuring it remains residentially focused. As of now, the timeline for the commencement of construction remains unclear, leaving residents eager yet patient.
Developers Respond to Community Concerns
North Myrtle Beach leaders, optimistic about the revamped project, believe that the developers, consisting of AmveStar Capital, LLC and Longleaf Real Estate, have made commendable strides in addressing community concerns through open dialogue. The amendments to the development agreement highlight the willingness of the developers to adjust their vision significantly, driven by the feedback from city residents.
A Look into Townhome Variants
The approval for The Preserve introduces three distinct types of townhome units into the local housing market. These include 135 “Bayberry” units, 235 “Retreat” units, and 227 “Indigo” units. This variety is geared towards accommodating different needs within the community, aiming for a more inclusive living environment.
The entire development spans over 100 acres around Long Branch Loop and Henry Road, marking a substantial addition to the residential offerings in North Myrtle Beach. In a recent voting session, the project received a 6-1 endorsement from council members, although Council member Fred Coyne opposed the decision. Meanwhile, Council member Nikki Fontana emphasized the advantages of reduced density—particularly given the growth taking place along Water Tower Road.
Ongoing Development Discussions
This project, debated vigorously over the past few months in city council meetings, is just one of many new developments being scrutinized. Alongside The Preserve, another project featuring 137 homes off the Intracoastal Waterway is in the pipeline. This alternative project is designed to include amenities such as pickleball courts, boat docks, and a community pool, all while reducing its proposed density by an impressive 90% from an original plan of over 1,000 residential units.
A Broader Context of Development Initiatives
As North Myrtle Beach continues to evolve, this reduced home development plan is crucial in promoting sustainability while catering to the ever-growing housing demands in the region. Additionally, the council has recently approved their largest fiscal budget for the 2025 fiscal year, showcasing a commitment to responsible development and community resources. In a highlight of community engagement, Mayor Marilyn Hatley presented a key to the city to local developer Sammy Puglia, commemorating his contributions to developing Barefoot Resort on its 25th anniversary.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: North Myrtle Beach Leaders Give Final Approval to Nearly 600 Home Development
- Wikipedia: North Myrtle Beach
- My Horry News: North Myrtle Beach Leaders Approve Nearly 600 Unit Development
- Google Search: North Myrtle Beach development
- My Horry News: First Nod to 137 Home Development Along Intracoastal Waterway
- Google Scholar: North Myrtle Beach real estate
- WBTW: Tensions Mount as Support for Planned 600 Home Development Wanes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina real estate
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.
