Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance Unveils Preliminary Designs for New Bike & Pedestrian Walkways

Here News, Myrtle Beach, SC, March 13, 2024

Revitalizing Myrtle Beach’s Arts and Innovation District

If all goes to plan, the Arts and Innovation District in downtown Myrtle Beach will be more pedestrian-friendly, complete with new bike pathways. The Downtown Alliance is in the process of designing these new features. The early design plans were presented to the city’s bike and pedestrian committee this Wednesday morning.

The primary goal of these plans is to create a downtown district that enables people to move freely between activity hotspots. The team, led by MBDA CEO Jason Greene, is focusing on reimagining the district’s streetscapes. Some streets will feature new bicycle-friendly paths, others will focus more on pedestrian walkways, and yet others may blend these features, or lack them entirely.

Design Highlights Innovation and Art

Reflecting the district’s spirit, the design plans put a strong emphasis on innovation and art. Jason Greene commented, “We’re taking this great vision that the City of Myrtle Beach has for downtown and driving it down to the level of detail necessary, so we can continue to invest in infrastructure, lighting, and other elements we need to create a highly enjoyable bikable and walkable experience in downtown.”

Last fall, the city set up a working group with the Cultural Resource Committee to incorporate local art into the revitalization of the downtown district. A sun theme was proposed, symbolizing the bright future envisioned for the district.

Community Involvement is Crucial

However, none of these plans will go ahead without community feedback. Public input sessions begin next Thursday, March 21. Details of these sessions can be found below:

• Thursday, March 21, 1:00p.m. – 3:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – First Baptist Church (Gymnasium), 500 4th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach
• Monday, March 25, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Myrtle Beach Train Depot, 851 Broadway Street, Myrtle Beach / Mary C. Canty Recreation Center, 971 Canal Street, Myrtle Beach
• Tuesday, March 26, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Chapin Memorial Library, 400 14th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach

Next Steps

After collecting community feedback, the team will go through another design process. The revised design based on feedback will again be presented to the community. A final concept is expected to be presented to city leaders by March 2025.

The Downtown Alliance-led initiative promises an exciting transformation for downtown Myrtle Beach, with an emphasis on making it a more enjoyable place to walk and bike.