Hundreds of new homes could be coming to North Myrtle with trio of major developments

North Myrtle Beach’s explosive growth shows no signs of slowing down, with three major developments in the works that would bring hundreds more homes and retail space into the city.

Planning officials pored over details of the plans this week ahead of final approval by the City Council later in the summer. Here’s a look at the projects.

Waterway Hills would transform from one-time golf course to modern urban village

Waterway Hills, a Robert Trent Jones designed golf course that hosted more than 1.5 million rounds over its 40-year run, closed in 2015.

Myrtle Beach-based Development Resource Group is looking to bring a mixed-use village concept across 67 acres, featuring 588 residential units and nearly 43,000 square feet of commercial space.

“What you’re getting in this design is kind of like an urban village,” city planner Austin Rucker told the Planning Commission May 17. “When the commercial builds out, you may get more people from outside just because this is such a cool, unique spot.”

Early site plans envision several retail and restaurant options flanking a swath of open space that could boast a playground.

Developer Mark Stoughton did not return calls for comment.

Waterside imagines connected neighborhoods and hiking trail access

Both Waterway Hills and Waterside would be part of a much larger planned development district called Parkway Group, but the communities are being designed with unique elements.

The 538 single-family and town homes would be gated off, with amenities including a clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, a community garden and dog park.

Public access to the Long Branch trail is also built into Waterside’s design.

Planners are emphasizing walkability and pedestrian access as a core part of Waterside’s development.

Six distinct neighborhoods will connect “not only with vehicular pathways, but with multi-purpose paths which wander between neighborhoods, connecting amenities, common elements and open spaces with routing that is independent of vehicular pathways,” its site plan says.

Seachase Pointe would bring more residents to Little River Neck Road

Further behind in development than the other projects, Seachase Pointe is a proposed 220-unit neighborhood spanning 60 acres along Little River Neck Road on property that’s currently vacant. A public hearing on the project is expected to happen June 20.

This story was originally published May 24, 2022 at 5:00 AM.