These 4 downtown Myrtle Beach businesses have closed, moved because of 501 reroute
Four downtown Myrtle Beach businesses were displaced this year due to rerouting of U.S. Highway 501.
The buildings with the addresses 714, 712, 710, 708, 706 and 704 Main St. in Myrtle Beach were in the way of the highway project managed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
The $14 million taxpayer-funded project will connect 501 to 7th Ave. N., reducing the number of intersections from three to one. It is one of 20 projects funded by RIDE III, and Horry County sales tax for roads approved in 2016.
A start date for construction has not been set, said DOT Spokesperson Kelly Moore in an email. The DOT is expected to begin accepting contractor bids in January 2024. Moore had not responded to additional questions at the time of publication.
In December 2022, The Sun News reported that the DOT offered Black Thai nearly $100,000 to help cover relocation costs. Black Thai did not respond to requests for comment in 2022 nor this week.
While businesses were initially told to vacate by Dec. 22, 2022, most did not leave until recently.
Here is where the affected businesses have gone.
William H. Miller Art Studio. After nine years at their Main Street location, the studio moved nearby to 702 8th Ave. N. and held a grand re-opening on Sept. 14.
Rose + Aila Hair Salon. The Brazilian beauty parlor moved around the corner to 608 Broadway St.
Black Thai Restaurant and Lounge. This Asian eatery closed in late August after 16 years in business. The restaurant’s voicemail said they shut down due to the DOT “seizing our land and wishing to push a road through our building. They gave us one last summer and we had a nice run.”
Ed’s Hobby Shop. The model vehicle store is still open for business and looking for a new location, said an employee on Monday.
A Summer Home furniture store and Hong Kong Super Market to the east and west will not be affected, their employees said.
