Expansion of Convention Center Can Pep Up Myrtle Beach Real Estate Market

The Myrtle Beach Convention center was built in 1967 as a simple civic center. Starting in 1976, it's added a 100,000 sq ft exhibit hall, grew an extra 50,000 ft, and added the Sheraton Hotel, a 400 room top quality facility.

According to city spokesman Mark Kruea, the center hosted 104 events last year: 42 trade shows, 17 consumer shows, 19 corporate conventions and 26 other activities such as concerts or competitions.

In city fiscal reports, it was indicated that this brought in more than 520,000 visitors, and annually it typically brings in around $35,000 to the area.

In 2004, the state of South Carolina granted Myrtle Beach $7 million to buy land for expansion, with the caveat of beginning work by 2009 and doubling the size of the center by 2014. Architect Steve Usry has recently submitted designs for a total 1,350,000 sq ft mega-complex that will provide space to host at least two conventions at the same time, and add another hotel with parking facilities.

Brian Monroe, director of marketing and sales told the Sun News that if we can improve our roads and air traffic abilities, the convention center can increase monetary contributions to Myrtle Beach, and bring even more people to the city. There are plans to add a performing arts center that can be used for shows, lectures, guest speakers and more. This is exciting news that will put Myrtle Beach ever closer to being a culteral resort such as Sarasota or even New York City.

It is conceivable to picture the downtown Myrtle Beach area, with its plans for other widespread renovation becoming an urban culteral mecca that increases the price of Myrtle Beach real estate and should heat up the market of home and condos in Myrtle Beach to levels of several years ago. Our overloaded concentration of resorts in North Myrtle Beach can use the boost of visitors, and even Surfside, Garden City, and Pawleys Island condos and homes can benefit from their proximity to the convention center.

The future of Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand is an exciting one, and our beautiful coastal town is about to become a national vacation resort with jobs, attractions, and a lifestyle that is second to none! We are experts in property and Myrtle Beach condos for sale. Let us help you explore the possibilities of living in our paradise.