City organizers recently approved the construction of the Gateway Galleria, a $10 million-plus, multi-purpose facility that may become the hottest spot on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
Planned for the 700 block of North Ocean Boulevard, formerly home of the Chesterfield Inn and Shark Attack Miniature Golf, this four-story construction is the most highly anticipated addition to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk in years. Early details about the 75,000 square foot development are still being formulated, but the plan calls for shopping, dining and more.
The top three floors of the Gateway Galleria will be dedicated to downtown condos to give residents an opportunity to live right in the middle of the action in downtown Myrtle Beach, but the lower level is expected to house 18,000 square feet of retail shops, restaurants and bars, and other outlets, including ones dedicated to fitness and the beachfront lifestyle.
Situated midway between the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel to the north and Second Avenue Pier to the south, the Gateway Galleria promises to be a highlight along the oceanfront walkway. Other popular spots along Ocean Boulevard include the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove, Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Park, site of the Carolina Country Music Festival.
Also adding to the Gateway Galleria's appeal is the proposed realignment of U.S. Highway 501, the main thoroughfare into Myrtle Beach. As part of an overall downtown redevelopment project, the new route will carry visitors down 7th Avenue North and directly into the Gateway Galleria.
Although an opening date for is still uncertain, construction has already started and developers hope to be up and running in 2019. Planners are also expected to make an announcement about the restaurant and retail options that are being coming to the development. Stayed tuned for updates, and check out these other new additions to the downtown business district:
Topgolf: The golf-themed game that is sweeping the nation finds a fitting home in Myrtle Beach, also known as “Golf Town USA”. Slated to open this spring near Broadway at the Beach, Topgolf offers a bowling alley-style experience except with golf balls and clubs replacing bowling balls and rented shoes. Patrons rent a driving range bay and take target practice by competing in a variety of golf skills.
14th Avenue South: Soon there will be no need to make the trip to The Market Common to experience upscale shopping; this proposed 32,000 square foot facility brings it to the beach. Although no completion date has been announced, this development features three floors of retail shopping and other outlets, as well as a first-story parking garage on the site of the defunct Cabana Inn.
Lulu's: Owned by Lucy (Lulu) Buffett, sister of singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett, this Barefoot Landing hot spot provides a beach setting on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway. Featuring an indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar, Lulu's also features a sandy beach for playing volleyball, cornhole or just relaxing with a boat drinks while chilling on the waterfront.
14th Avenue North: This 55,000 square foot, oceanfront beach club brings three restaurants to the menu, including the re-opening of the Bandito's Cantina that used to occupy the spot. The Tin Roof delivers a taste of Nashville to Myrtle Beach with a restaurant, rooftop bar and live music venue featuring country and rock acts. The latest addition is a new BurgerFi restaurant, and an adjoining park is also in the works.
Guests at North Beach Plantation can experience all the fun and growth that the Grand Strand has to offer. Book your vacation plans and enjoy all the area has to offer, both old and new.
