MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW)- The City of Myrtle Beach moves forward with a partnership with Coastal Carolina University to bring a new performing arts center to the downtown Superblock area.
City council passed an agreement to continue to work with CCU on the project. This is not a legal document or lease, but Mayor Brenda Bethune said the performing arts center is vital to the city’s downtown master plan.
Back in November, the Downtown Redevelopment Corporation spent one million dollars on three buildings in the Superblock area that will become the theater.
The City of Myrtle Beach will become the landlord and be responsible for maintenance and repairs.
The city will be guaranteed 30 performances a year as long as they don’t conflict with CCU’s uses. CCU will pay $95,000 in rent after five years.
Mayor Bethune said by visiting other cities they’ve learned the importance of getting college students downtown to revitalize the area.
“To say that we’re going to be able to establish an arts district not only helps our residents from every area from Market Common to Grand Dunes, but our visitors as well,” said Mayor Bethune.
The Mayor said there is no hard number on how much the project will cost, but the city plans to use historical tax credits and opportunity zone credits. The next step is to bring in an architect.
For more information on the agreement, click here.
