PAVILION WILL CLOSE AFTER THIS SEASON
Sun, Mar. 12, 2006 – A wave of development is transforming Myrtle Beach that includes Myrtle Square Mall, more than 20 small hotels and the Pavilion, a 58-year-old icon of Myrtle Beach that will close for good after this summer.
Change is necessary to keep a destination viable, said Gary Loftus, a former hotelier who now is director of Coastal Carolina University’s Center for Economic Development. Think about Disney World in Florida, he said, and all the new rides and changes it has gone through.
“It is just part of the evolving market,” Loftus said. “We are just doing it a little less subtly than Disney does it, and it is happening all at once. It’s just what happens. It’s called ‘evolution.’ Every 20 years or 30 years, it churns.”
What will replace the park hasn’t been decided. Charleston firm LS3P is working on a plan for the Pavilion property, but it won’t be finished for a couple of months. The goal is to create a mix of lodging, shops and attractions that will lure people downtown year-round, not just during the warm-weather months when the Pavilion operates.
Source: Dawn Bryant, The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, SC
keep the teen club!!!
on March 31st, 2006 at 4:24 pm from drew brawner
i think it is a tradgey to close the pavillion. Myrtle beach is not disney land!!!!!!!!!
on July 4th, 2006 at 5:08 pm from teresa stanley
Thanks Teresa - Since the decision to close The Pavilion has already been made, what would you like to see done with the property? The idea is to make Myrtle Beach a more year-round destination.
on July 5th, 2006 at 9:13 am from Barbara and Art
I wish they wouldn’t close the pavillion it’s like something All of my family has done when they been to the beach. Even decades ago. I just don’t think it’s right to close something like that down. If it’s going to be closed down I think it should be like a historical amusement park. Espeacially considering it is historic in mrytle beach. It’s a big part of myrtle beach and I don’t think they should just take it away for some stupid shopping mall or motel or something!:-(
on August 2nd, 2006 at 11:44 am from renae cline
Our Family Reunion has been based at Myrtle Beach for Decades.The children have always been excited to go to the Pavillion.Except for the beach we have no reason to make the ride from North Carolina.There is not enough variety at the other parks in Myrtle Beach to stay all day.As far as eating and shopping it was nice but I can do that in North Carolina.I am sorry to see this park close. Why not just renovate it?
on August 12th, 2006 at 9:47 pm from Paulette Patterson
Remember Coca Cola? They changed the recipe…people thought they had lost their minds (they had). The Pavilion could be Myrtle Beaches Coke! Hey just think B&C you too can achieve a place in history, and I do mean history.
on August 22nd, 2006 at 9:22 pm from Darryl
I could cry to think what is happening to the Grand Strand area. I spent my whole life going there and visiting the Pavilion. I couldn’t wait for my son now three to experience what I did along with so many others. I think what many don’t realize is those that came to Myrtle Beach came out of tradition, like visiting the Pavilion and walking the street. Once the tradition is gone there will be no reason to return. I don’t want huge malls. I want to spend time having fun with my family. I will probably never return to Myrtle Beach. With the rise in cost to stay for only a few nights the avg family can afford it. I guess it’s time for my family to make traditions somewhere else and I’m sure alot of others will as well.
on February 25th, 2007 at 2:45 pm from Shanna