Shoppers flood Market Common

Politicians, shoppers see first day of live, work, play

Despite a rainy Thursday, The Market Common's kickoff drew crowds of shoppers wanting to check out the area's newest stores and restaurants, though the complex didn't start bustling until rain died down in the afternoon.

"The day was a huge success," said Dan McCaffery, president of the project's developer McCaffery Interests. "Given the weather, I was thrilled with the turnout."

The project is an urban village on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base that houses about 40 businesses topped by apartments, and it's been lauded as a major boon for the area's economy.

"What it represents is a $600 million stake in the ground in improving the tourism infrastructure in the state of South Carolina," said Gov. Mark Sanford during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The morning got off to somewhat of a slow start. A cold drizzle greeted shoppers. Other than at Piggly Wiggly, which was booming with business when it opened at 6:30 a.m., there was only a smattering of shoppers willing to brave the rain.

Indiana natives Chris Moak and Kevin Kohrman, 15-year-olds in town for spring break, showed up early with plans to walk around and later catch a movie at the new theater. They were impressed with the urban village concept.

"We really don't have anything like this back at home," Moak said.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro manager Sam King said he wasn't sure what to expect when the restaurant opened at 11 a.m.

"We were expecting a very busy first day, but now with the rain, it plays tricks with the business," King said. "It might bring a lot more people. It might keep people inside."

But the restaurant - which has been rumored to be coming to the Grand Strand for years - didn't need to worry. Traffic throughout the center picked up when the rain subsided, and by about 12:30 p.m., the restaurant had an hour waiting list.

The ribbon cutting ceremony also drew hundreds of people to hear politicians and developers talk about the project and its potential effects.

Sanford said Myrtle Beach is helping break the mold of traditional developments, where people must drive to shop and work.

"Here in Myrtle Beach, you're leading the state in what comes next," he said.

The Market Common's project manager, Buddy Styers, said it's been a long road.

"I just wanted to help people remember what we've gone through since 1989," when the base's closure was announced, Styers said.

The base shut down in 1993, and people were concerned about what would happen to Myrtle Beach after seeing many communities crippled by base closures, Styers said. But the flourishing tourism economy made Myrtle Beach different, he said.

Construction on the project began in fall 2006, and the work was swift, he said.

"I truly have chill bumps up and down my spine because it took the concerted effort of everybody," he said.

Sen. Luke Rankin read a resolution applauding McCaffery Interests Inc., Leucadia National Corp., the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority and the city of Myrtle Beach for efforts in launching the development.

"This is no doubt one of the most pristine developments in this state in a long time," said Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes.

The Market Common opening was perfectly timed for the De'Ath family: Jonpaul, his wife, Debbie, and their two children Oliver and Elle. They arrived in Myrtle Beach last week from the United Kingdom.

"We looked online and saw this opening, and we had to come," Debbie De'Ath said. Jonpaul De'Ath said while his family has traveled to many places, The Market Common has a distinct character.

"It looks nice with the stores and homes built together; it's kind of like a village," he said.

Larry Tyler, manager of the Orvis fly fishing gear store said he expected people to come check out the center - rain or shine.

"The buzz about this place has been going on forever," he said. "Curiosity has got to be satisfied."

Jan Burzler of Murrells Inlet wouldn't have missed opening day for the world. She came with a friend, who didn't want to be named because she skipped work to shop at the center.

"We're very anxious," Burzler said. "We've been counting down."

After buying a necklace at HandPicked, she was headed to scope out Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma. She was disappointed that Anthropologie wasn't open yet, but plans on returning when it does.

"We'll be back. We live close," she said. "We'll have something to look forward to."

One hitch, though, was that people were causing traffic tie-ups by not parking in the garages.

"Cars are circling and circling around, not realizing that we have two fabulous parking garages," said Stephanie Lynch with MJ Marketing, the firm handling promotion of the project.

"There are multilevel parking garages that are free."

Traffic on U.S. 17 Bypass near the entrance to The Market Common was clogged at times Thursday, but it was the normal delays, said Capt. David Knipes with the Myrtle Beach Police Department.

McCaffery said the size of the crowds on the first day doesn't matter as much as whether there's continued interest. Many store owners expect traffic to pick up over the weekend, when weather is better and people don't have to work.

"It's going to take a good amount of time for this to become part of the culture of Myrtle Beach," McCaffery said.

"Incrementally, I think [shoppers] will know it's a destination."

Want more of The Market Common? Find video, photo galleries, an interactive map, blog and more stories at MyrtleBeachOnline.com/themarketcommon.

Courtesy of JESSICA FOSTER (843-626-0351) and DARRELL HUGHES (843-626-0364). Read more at The Sun News.