SC beachfront town wants to be a historic district. Will it impact future development?
Atlantic Beach, the historically-Black beach town near North Myrtle Beach, is seeking to become a historic district. If approved, it could impact future development of the town.
That includes a controversial proposal for a 21-story high rise in the town.
The town, which was incorporated in 1966 but has been around since 1934, has been nominated as a historical district for the National Register. The application will be considered by the South Carolina State Board of Review on November 15, 2024.
Atlantic Beach, also known as the Black Pearl, was born out of Jim Crow era segregation that forbade Black people from spending time on beaches in the Myrtle Beach area. Black people created their own beach town, which flourished as a vacation spot in the mid-to late-20th century.
Approval of the historic designation would turn the entire town into a historic district, according to the National Register registration form.
Historical designation would be a “ceremonial” act, said Susan Platt, the former chair of the Horry County Historic Preservation Commission. The National Register does not create rules for properties or districts, instead leaving the decisions on their use up to the local government.
Town Council Member Carla Taylor said the historic designation would bring about “intentional” development that matches the town’s historic deed. It will not stop development.
John David Jr., also a town council member, declined to comment on what the historic district would mean for future ordinances but said he’s excited about the possibility of the town getting the designation.
If Atlantic Beach wants to create ordinances about changes within the historic district, it can, Platt said. There is no guarantee it will.
Horry County has ordinances about historic properties and districts, but they will not apply to Atlantic Beach as the county does not have jurisdiction in the town.
What about the high-rise?
A proposed 21-story high-rise was met with controversy in Atlantic Beach. Some argue it would ruin Atlantic Beach’s unobstructed view of the ocean and others say it could rejuvenate the town, The Sun News previously reported.
The development would include condominiums, short-term rentals, hotel rooms, a banquet hall, restaurants and possibly a museum.
As it stands, the proposed high-rise is possible under Atlantic Beach ordinances. However, there are multiple people sitting on town council who oppose the building, such as Taylor and David. Taylor said she wants to develop in a way that “supports the history of the town.”
Atlantic Beach is one of the few places left in the Grand Strand with no high-rise development, as talked about in the National Register registration form.
“There is nothing written in the deed restrictions that speak to a high rise,” Taylor said.
What makes Atlantic Beach historical?
Atlantic Beach is unique because it was originally created for Black Americans by Black Americans during a time of deep segregation, the registration form said. The signs of segregation are still visible today, with Ocean Boulevard in Atlantic Beach being cut off from North Myrtle Beach.
The town flourished from the 1940s through the 1970s, bringing in tourists from South and North Carolina. Famous Black musicians stayed and performed in the town, including Patti LaBelle and Little Richard. Even after Hurricane Hazel swept through the area, people continued to open businesses such as motels and restaurants.
“The historic district contains a variety of property types that convey Atlantic Beach’s significance as a segregation-era destination for Black beachgoers,” the registration form writes. “Here, generations of African Americans, barred from other white-controlled beachfronts, came from across South Carolina and beyond to swim, fish, and socialize in comfort and dignity.”
This story was originally published November 14, 2024 at 9:53 AM.
