Myrtle Beach Invests $16.5 Million to Transform Arts & Innovation District

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?