In early 2024, the Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance (MBDA) reached out to a cross-spectrum of 100 business owners, representatives, residents, community leaders and City of Myrtle Beach designees to participate in meetings with its contracted architectural firm.

These meetings were the first step in crafting architectural standards for downtown. More than 65 percent of those approached participated. The MBDA is committed to inclusion and collaboration with representatives of each stakeholder group.

“We want to create the downtown that our community wants and are being thoughtful in our approach and the redevelopment process,” says Jason Greene, Chief Executive Officer, MBDA. “We purposely sought out representation of every stakeholder segment in the greater downtown area.”

Following the architectural standards meetings, the MBDA began a series of public input meetings that will continue through early May.

As a placemaking agency, the MBDA takes a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design, and management of the public space of downtown Myrtle Beach. One facet is branding and wayfinding, which will provide a sense of place in each distinct district of downtown.

Is it too early to see the efforts of MBDA? No. As part of Phase I, MBDA purchased distinctive trash bins and benches for the Broadway streetscape. Phase I also includes a multitude of crosswalks planned for the Broadway streetscape project. In addition, Broadway Street has been selected to be a part of the City’s smart pole pilot program.

Discover Downtown Myrtle Beach
The MBDA has several episodic events planned that will encourage residents and visitors to discover all that the downtown area has to offer in dining, arts and entertainment.

First Friday Art Walks
With the development of the Art & Innovation District, business owners created a First Friday Artwalk to encourage residents to explore the local art galleries and businesses in the district. In 2023, the MBDA adopted the monthly art walks as MBDA-sponsored events. The art walks are held 5-8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month and include galleries and businesses in the Arts & Innovation District and Broadway Street.

Coffee with the Community
The MBDA also hosts monthly Coffee with the Community events from 8 a.m. – noon on the third Friday of each month. This free event is open to the public. Throughout the drop-in, MBDA employees provide updates and answer any questions attendees may have.

Nights at Nance
In March, the MBDA launched its spring series of Nights at Nance, which is held select Thursdays through late April, and will return in the fall. At each event, Nights at Nance features a local band and food trucks. Attendees are encouraged to bring their beach blankets or chairs as seating is on a first-come basis at Nance Plaza, 825 N. Kings Highway.

D3 – Discover Downtown Dining
In mid-April, the MBDA will host its inaugural D3 progressive dinner along Broadway Street, which boasts nine dining opportunities. The ticketed event will include select tapas/appetizers and beverages at each location as well as live music. Additional D3 events are planned for each district: Arts & Innovation and Oceanfront. Advance tickets are available and encouraged.

To learn more about MBDA, its events and public input meetings, visit www.mbdowntown.org.