After tens of millions invested by city taxpayers into the Arts & Innovative District, the City of Myrtle Beach has decided to rent purchased properties at “rent free leases” for the first three to six months of operations.

The City of Myrtle Beach posted on Social Media: Look who’s coming to Myrtle Beach’s Arts & Innovation District… The Tasting Room and The Dolly Llama. During Tuesday’s meeting, City Council gave first-reading approval to leases for these new businesses. The Tasting Room is an upscale wine bar, while the Dolly Llama does over-the-top ice creams and desserts. Each will occupy about 2,500 square feet in what was the Belk building at 505 Ninth Avenue North. Stay tuned!

Leases for agenda 7.25.23

!. The Tasting Room Lease for a wine bar and dining.

2. Talaga Ventures is opening a franchise Dolly Lama, waffle and ice cream shop

What is the Myrtle Beach Arts & Innovative District?

The Myrtle Beach Arts & Innovative District is promoted by the city as a vibrant cultural hub that pulsates with creativity, imagination, and artistic expression.

The Tasting Room and The Dolly Llama are the newest government funded private businesses looking to locate in the district.

The History of the Myrtle Beach Arts & Innovative District

The history of the Myrtle Beach Arts & Innovative District is rich and vibrant, reflecting the growth and evolution of this coastal city. It all started with a vision to create a space that would celebrate creativity, innovation, and artistic expression.

In the early 2000s, city council recognized the need for a dedicated district where artists could thrive and showcase their work. With this goal in mind, they embarked on a journey to transform the Superblock into a hub of cultural activity. They did so by shutting down most private businesses operating in that sector.

Through a third party straw buyer operating for the now defunct Downtown Redevelopment Corporation, the Myrtle Beach Arts & Innovative District was born. The district quickly became mired in unrented buildings, after promising an eclectic mix of galleries, studios, theaters, and performance spaces.

Those taxpayer funded properties are now being leased rent free to the private businesses, The Tasting Room and The Dolly Llama.

The Myrtle Beach Arts & Innovative District has become an integral part of the city’s future promises for a rebranded identity.

As time goes on, we can all witness the developments within this district. With ongoing tax payer funded support, the true lines between private enterprise and government sponsored capitalism continue to blur.

The Myrtle Beach Arts & Innovative District Today

One of the highlights of the promised district is the coming Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, which showcases contemporary American art in a stunning oceanfront setting. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions featuring local and national artists, as well as educational programs and events.

In addition to visual arts, the district also offers a diverse range of performing arts options. The Myrtle Beach Performing Arts Center promises to features concert, Broadway shows, ballet performances, and more under a hopeful agreement with Coastal Carolina University.

The city’s once promised, highly touted Chapin Memorial library and children’s museum are no longer scheduled for this area.

The Future of the Myrtle Beach Arts & Innovative District

As we look ahead, the future of the Myrtle Beach Arts & Innovative District is filled with endless tax payer funded possibilities for launching private businesses at Myrtle Beach resident expenses.

Additionally, there are promised plans for more creative spaces and studios where artists can gather, collaborate, and showcase their work. This will provide even more opportunities for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the arts scene while discovering new talents.

Furthermore, efforts are being made to enhance accessibility within the district by improving transportation options and creating pedestrian-friendly pathways. This will encourage even more people to explore this cultural hub without worrying about parking or getting around.

As we gaze into the future of Myrtle Beach Arts & Innovative District – it appears murkier and increasingly expensive for residents who rarely visit the area.