The Myrtle Beach City Council voted this week to approve the first of two readings for an ordinance that would allow Innisfree Hotels to build a $90 million Margaritaville resort on city‑owned land at 17th Avenue North. The 18‑story, 296‑room hotel would feature a penthouse, ballroom, conference space, a restaurant, an ocean‑front pool with a lazy river and waterslides, and a pedestrian bridge connecting the pool area to the beach.
What the ordinance entails
The ordinance reworks several public alleyways along Ocean Boulevard, swapping some to the developer and selling others at fair market value. Seven city‑owned alleys are part of the proposal, but the city has not yet released appraisal values or detailed maps of which alleys will be transferred versus sold. Council members have asked for a list of public‑improvement commitments to be attached to the deal, though none are finalized.
Public‑access and pricing
According to Innisfree’s development manager Jason Nicholson, the pool area will be open to the public on a day‑pass basis when occupancy permits. Realistically, the resort is likely to be full during peak summer months, making spring and fall the most viable times for locals to enjoy the amenities. Pricing for day passes has not been announced.
Economic impact and jobs
The city estimates the resort will generate more than $20 million in annual economic impact once fully operational. Nicholson said the project will create at least 350 construction jobs and, after opening, about 200 full‑time positions with roughly $8 million in payroll in the first year—an average wage of about $40,000 per employee. While the average appears solid, industry experience suggests that entry‑level hospitality wages will be lower than the average.
Timeline and potential delays
Innisfree plans to break ground in December 2026, with construction expected to take about 24 months and an opening targeted for the first quarter of 2029. Comparable Margaritaville projects have experienced delays; the Galveston, Texas resort announced in early 2024 did not begin vertical construction until 2026, and the Compass Hotel in North Myrtle Beach has slipped from an early‑2025 opening to early‑2027.
What residents should watch
Key items for the public to monitor before the final council vote include:
- Exact appraisal values and the terms of the alley swaps.
- Which public‑improvement items (such as the boardwalk extension) will be funded by the developer versus the city.
- The timeline for construction and any contingencies tied to the land transfer.
- Transparency on the day‑pass pricing structure for local residents.
City leaders have supported the Margaritaville brand since its initial announcement in 2023, citing its appeal to tourists and potential boost to the local economy. Mayor Brenda Bethune and former Councilman John Krajc have both emphasized that major brands invest where they see promise.
Next steps
The council’s second reading will include Innisfree’s response to the requested public‑improvement terms. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting, review any released appraisals, and voice concerns about the land exchange and community benefits before the final vote is taken.
Original reporting: MyrtleBeachSC News — read the source article.
