Stores, offices, homes to be built at Myrtle Beach project

Jan. 4--The site where the landmark Pink House used to stand in Myrtle Beach could soon sport an Eagles Beachwear store along with a mix of other businesses.

Developers want to build 60,948 square feet of retail and office space at Pink House Square at 4301 N. Kings Highway and could eventually build condos in a second phase.

An Eagles store would anchor the $5 million development. There would also be a restaurant, but no other stores or businesses have been announced as part of the project.

"It's all part of the concept that I think is in vogue: your mixed-use development that has housing and commercial and business all in one," said Miller Design Services owner Tom Miller, who is drawing up the site plans.

The Myrtle Beach Community Appearance Board approved the lighting plans for the project Thursday. Plans for awnings and construction still have to be approved before crews break ground, which could happen as soon as March, Miller said.

The tract is already zoned as a highway commercial district, which is appropriate for the project as it allows for multiple types of buildings.

The roughly 5-acre site has been vacant for about two years.

The Pink House -- a local landmark built in 1947 that took turns as an inn, a restaurant and a Christmas shop -- was torn down in 2005 to make way for a Mediterranean-style luxury condominium complex.

That project never came to fruition.

Now, the owner -- Pink House Square Enterprises LLC, which lists Ai Moshe as its registered agent with the S.C. secretary of state -- is working toward a new vision.

Moshe could not be reached Thursday. Miller said phase one will be the construction of the commercial part facing Kings Highway, and phase two will be focused on the residential portion on the back side.

About 48 condos housed in two buildings were included in conceptual plans, but no other details of residential units have been drawn, Miller said.

Care will be taken to preserve the trees on site, and there will also be a variety of foliage such as southern magnolias, red sunset maples and American holly scattered across the development.

"We worked very hard with the developer to make sure the property being developed reflected more of the neighborhood feel and look," said Larry Bragg, the Community Appearance Board chairman. "It's a very special piece of property in most people's minds in Myrtle Beach."

(Sun News, The (Myrtle Beach, SC) (KRT) -- 01/07/08)