More activity is coming to Conway’s prized river front area. Expect a brew pub and condos.

An economic slowdown and strained supply chain are to blame for construction delays on two high profile projects in Conway’s river front district, but a spring rebound is expected for both.

“I don’t live in Conway but my heart’s here and I’m looking forward to going,” North Carolina-based developer Stephen Fitzpatrick said Jan. 17.

His Genford Development has spent the past several years in talks with the city on how to revive four properties hugging the Waccamaw River, including a total of 25,000 square feet near the Ocean Fish Market and Bonfire — A Smokin’ Taqueria.

Fitzpatrick envisions a five-story, 50-unit condominium building with Main Street retail in one spot and a brew house/distillery concept with rooftop patio seating at another.

A timeline for construction wasn’t provided to town leaders, but Fitzpatrick said activity should pick up within the next 60 days.

To help keep his Conway project afloat, Fitzpatrick sold off a Raleigh office building and subdivision to recapitalize. Those loans need to clear before work can start in earnest.

“I think basically it demonstrates my commitment to the projects,” he said.

As Horry County’s seat and home to Coastal Carolina University, Conway’s allure as a cultural and entertainment hub is growing.

More than a dozen new Conway Chamber of Commerce members are in the restaurant, food, beverage and catering industries as landmark establishments like Crooked Oak Tavern expand.

And last year, the city finalized a plan to give hotel developers five-year breaks on their hospitality and property taxes, along with an expedited site review plan so they can get to work faster.

Fitzpatrick said his goal is connect the new offerings with existing assets to put the Waccamaw as a centerpiece of downtown traffic.

“We really want to bring the river back to what’s happening downtown,” he said.

This story was originally published January 18, 2023 at 8:50 AM.