A Charlotte, N.C., developer plans to start construction in a month on a small condominium project in Atlantic Beach that will be the historically black town’s first redevelopment in decades.

• The project, at 400 S. 31st St., will build retail on the bottom and six condos on the top - small by development standards, but the ripples could be huge for a town that has struggled to attract significant development for years.

• The two bedroom condos will be second homes or permanent homes with gated parking, oceanviews, large storage space, elevators, a pool and Jacuzzi… and will start at $325,000.

Town officials have spent a year developing a master plan for the four-block community, and they’re ready to see construction start and demolition of derelict structures happen. They want to create a vibrant Main Street with retail, nightclubs and a livable, walkable town.

• Property has been bought in Atlantic Beach in the last couple years, and developers have talked about projects, but many have been waiting for someone to make the first move.

Town officials welcome the change.

Their master plan calls for a walkable shopping community along the main streets with living space above.

• They want a village feel and lower-density oceanfront development that won’t create a wall effect, leaving the ocean view open at the end of the main streets.

• They’ve also set 16 properties in the town for demolition, said Marcia Conner, town manager.

The town’s master plan was designed to reflect the town’s heritage as a recreation haven for black people in the time of segregation, and its uniqueness as one of only two black-owned and black-governed oceanfront towns on the East Coast today.

Since desegregation, the town has struggled to reinvent itself and attract development.

Source: Jenny Burns, The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, SC