Coastal business | Freestyle Music Park attorney sees better market

Coastal Business

HORRY COUNTY

Freestyle attorney sees better market

The chances of Freestyle Music Park being sold out of foreclosure are improving as the economy and real estate market get better along the Grand Strand, said Nate Fata, an attorney for FPI MB Entertainment LLC, owner of the park.

"Everything is starting to level out. I see a lot more building in the area," Fata said. "I think that it helps everyone that has land issues. ... Hopefully, that will spur some interest and get things moving this year."

FPI MB is looking for "a positive resolution," Fata said, but he did not comment on whether his client was actively searching for a buyer.

Fata's remarks followed a hearing Monday morning in Horry County court regarding a suit brought by RoundBox Advisors LLC, a consulting company that previously worked with the park. RoundBox is seeking damages from the park in a suit that is one of at least 10 cases against FPI MB pending in court.

Freestyle, which took over the bankrupt Hard Rock Park in 2009, operated for one summer but failed to reopen in 2010 after a rough first season. The park is off U.S. 501 in Fantasy Harbour.

MYRTLE BEACH

Boardwalk up for development award

Myrtle Beach's boardwalk is in the running for an economic development award from the Municipal Association of South Carolina.

City spokesman Mark Kruea pitched the boardwalk's benefits to the judges in Columbia on Monday. The boardwalk is up against projects in Isle of Palms and Spartanburg, said Casey Fields of the Municipal Association of South Carolina.

The $6 million boardwalk, which debuted in the spring, contributed to a solid summer, along with increased promotion of the destination and more flights, officials have said.

The 1.2-mile boardwalk also has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the top 10 boardwalks in the country - behind Atlantic City, N.J., and Coney Island, N.Y. - and has been featured on the "Today" show.

Officials will find out today whether the boardwalk is the winner of the association award, Fields said.

Myrtle Beach has won the award previously for The Market Common and Alliance Inn.

MYRTLE BEACH

Hotel ranks among top 25 in nation

A Myrtle Beach inn is among the "Top 25 Hotels in the United States" in 2011, according to national travel website TripAdvisor.

The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, 8121 Amalfi Place, was 18th in the annual ranking. The hotels on the list are selected based on TripAdvisor user reviews.

Charleston's French Quarter Inn ranked third and was the only other hotel in the state to make the list.