A rendering of Inlet Square's future after renovations shows an open-air shopping center with covered walkways and an outdoor event area that could open in 2008.
Developers gave The Sun News this week the first artist's depiction of the 17-year-old mall's transformation into a modern center that incorporates some of the current stores. F+F Development officials say renovations could start next year.
F+F Development's plans respond to the growing population on the south end of the Grand Strand, principals Chuck Fancher and Nate Fishkin said.
The company bought the 432,000-square-foot center in October with plans for a complete overhaul.
Renovations will include new entranceways; upgraded parking, lighting and landscaping; covered sidewalks along the exterior stores; and modern furnishings in the interior portions of the center.
Developers said they also plan to create an outdoor event and seating area.
Fancher and Fishkin said the shopping center will remain open during reno-
vations and that the anchors - J.C. Penney, Belk, Kmart, Stein Mart, Books-A-Million and a 12-screen Regal Theatres - are expected to be incorporated into the redevelopment.
New retailers and restaurants are planned to complement the anchors, they said.
As well as improving business at the shopping center's stores, the renovation could also boost development on the Strand's south end, said Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce spokeswoman Nicole Aiello.
"There is a need down there for more shopping," she said. "With the success of Coastal Grand and Tanger Outlets and the other malls in the area, it really shows that people want to shop. It's definitely going to be great for the south end to have a redeveloped shopping center at Inlet Square."
Possible tenants
F+F Development listed some possibilities for the revamped center:
Specialty grocery stores
Local merchants
Bookstores
A play area
Free wireless Internet
Offices
Hotels
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