Inlet Square Mall

Inlet Square Mall was a single-level regional shopping center in Garden City, South Carolina, serving communities in the southern Myrtle Beach area. The mall opened in 1990 with approximately 434,482 square feet of space and about 45 stores and services. It was developed by CBL Properties and became one of the area's principal enclosed retail destinations, alongside the now-demolished Myrtle Square Mall and, later, Coastal Grand Mall. The property faced increasing competition after Coastal Grand Mall opened in 2004 and after large-format retail and outdoor shopping destinations changed the local commercial landscape. Inlet Square attempted to respond through a major renovation and repositioning program. A planned transformation modeled in part on the success of Broadway at the Beach did not proceed as originally intended, but a roughly $4.5 million remodeling effort began in 2007. Financial difficulties, declining traffic, and tenant departures extended the work until 2011. The renovation period also coincided with the loss of several long-standing occupants, including the 12-screen Regal Cinemas, which closed in 2010. Entertainment was temporarily restored when Frank's CineBowl & Grille opened in the former cinema space in 2011. The venue later became the subject of a rent dispute with the mall's ownership entity, Murrells Retail Associates, which was associated with RAIT Financial Trust. Frank Theatres was accused in court filings of falling behind on lease payments, and the entertainment complex closed abruptly in May 2016 after roughly five years of operation. Anchor and junior-anchor losses further weakened the mall. Kmart, an original tenant, closed in 2014 after a Walmart Supercenter opened in Garden City. Planet Fitness replaced the former Ladies Choice fitness facility during the same period. JCPenney announced its departure in 2015, while Stein Mart closed because of a lease issue and later relocated to South Strand Commons. Books-A-Million subsequently closed in 2020. By late 2023, Belk and Planet Fitness were the principal remaining operating tenants, although the property had retained additional vacant or repurposed space. The mall's ownership and operating history became complicated during the 2010s. F+F Development began a reconstruction effort in 2012, but the project encountered financial problems and bankruptcy. RAIT Financial Trust took control of the collateral after a default and later became the effective owner and operator, with Urban Retail involved in management. The property subsequently changed hands and was acquired in February 2023 by Inlet Square Investments LLC for a reported $6 million, with Paramount Development Corporation leading redevelopment planning. Inlet Square Mall officially closed on January 15, 2024, to allow redevelopment. Plans called for removing most of the enclosed mall and replacing it with a smaller mixed-use project incorporating retail, restaurants, a hotel, site improvements, and potentially other commercial uses. Early proposals also contemplated multifamily housing, although later project updates indicated that residential construction was no longer part of the active plan. The redevelopment was designed to preserve or replace important commercial functions while reducing the site's dependence on a large enclosed mall format. Demolition and site work proceeded in stages during 2024 and 2025. Belk and Planet Fitness were expected to remain in operation, although Planet Fitness temporarily relocated within the property during construction. Proposed or announced additions included Floor & Decor, Hobby Lobby, Chipotle, and a 134-room Home2Suites by Hilton. The project also included parking, stormwater, utility, roadway, and intersection improvements. Floor & Decor was reported to have opened in September 2025, marking the first major opening associated with the new development. Later plans described additional retail and food-service openings, with the overall completion schedule remaining subject to construction and tenant timing.

Inlet Square Mall was developed by CBL Properties and opened in 1990 in Garden City, South Carolina. With a single-level layout and roughly 434,482 square feet of floor area, it initially contained about 45 stores and services. The center was built to serve the South Strand and became a significant local retail destination. Its early anchor mix included Belk, Kmart, and JCPenney, while later junior anchors and service tenants included Stein Mart, Books-A-Million, fitness operators, and a multiplex cinema. The mall's competitive position weakened after Coastal Grand Mall opened in 2004. Coastal Grand's larger scale and newer format diverted regional shopping traffic, while Broadway at the Beach and other open-air destinations offered different retail and entertainment experiences. A proposed conversion of Inlet Square into a development inspired by Broadway at the Beach did not proceed as planned. Instead, a substantial renovation began in 2007. The work, described as a roughly $4.5 million project, was delayed by financial strain and declining foot traffic and was not completed until 2011. During this period, many long-term tenants left, including Regal Cinemas, which closed in 2010. The former cinema area was reused in 2011 by Frank's CineBowl & Grille, combining film, bowling, dining, and entertainment. The venue provided a temporary draw but later became involved in a lease-payment dispute. In 2013, Murrells Retail Associates, the ownership entity associated with RAIT Financial Trust, sued Frank Theatres over alleged late and unpaid rent. The mall sought payment of arrears and enforcement of future contractual obligations. Frank's CineBowl & Grille closed suddenly in May 2016. Anchor attrition continued. Kmart closed in 2014 after the opening of a nearby Walmart Supercenter. Planet Fitness replaced Ladies Choice in the same general period. JCPenney announced a closure in 2015, and Stein Mart left after a lease issue before relocating to South Strand Commons near Surfside Beach. Books-A-Million, one of the remaining recognizable tenants, closed in 2020. By the end of 2023, Belk and Planet Fitness were the key operating tenants, and the mall had become largely vacant. Ownership and redevelopment efforts became increasingly complex. F+F Development started reconstruction work in 2012, seeking to reposition the property, but financial problems led to bankruptcy and a transfer of collateral to RAIT Financial Trust. Urban Retail was involved in management while RAIT remained the effective owner for a period. Subsequent disputes involving landlord, rent, security deposits, and property-tax obligations were reported in connection with the property's deterioration, although the available reference material does not establish a complete independent account of every allegation. In February 2023, Inlet Square Investments LLC purchased the property for a reported $6 million. Paramount Development Corporation became associated with the redevelopment program. Initial public plans envisioned demolishing approximately 70% to 80% of the enclosed mall and replacing it with a smaller mixed-use project. Announcements described a target of about 250,000 square feet, including retail, restaurant, hotel, and other commercial space. A multifamily component was considered in early plans, but later updates stated that housing was not then scheduled, despite possible future interest from other developers. The mall officially closed on January 15, 2024. Demolition permits were issued in May 2024, and physical demolition began during the summer and fall. The project included removal of the former cinema and much of the interior mall, together with new parking, drainage, stormwater, utilities, and access improvements. Belk was expected to remain, while Planet Fitness temporarily closed or moved within the site during construction. The redevelopment also became connected to planned transportation improvements around the Highway 17 corridor. New tenants and facilities were announced as the project progressed. Floor & Decor opened in September 2025. Hobby Lobby was planned for the former JCPenney area, and Chipotle was identified for an outparcel. A 134-room Home2Suites by Hilton was proposed near Belk, with hotel construction proceeding under a separate development arrangement. Further retail and restaurant tenants remained subject to later announcements. The transformation represents a shift from an aging enclosed mall to a lower-density commercial and hospitality district. Completion timing remains dependent on construction, approvals, infrastructure work, and tenant openings.

• 2025

  Floor & Decor opens

  [1]Inlet Square Mallen.wikipedia.org

  The home-improvement retailer becomes the first reported new store at the redeveloped property.

• 2024

  Enclosed mall closes

  [1]Inlet Square Mallen.wikipedia.org

  The mall closes on January 15 for redevelopment.

• 2024

  Demolition begins

  [1]Inlet Square Mallen.wikipedia.org

  Most of the aging enclosed mall begins to be removed while selected tenants are retained or relocated.

• 2023

  New ownership and redevelopment plan

  [1]Inlet Square Mallen.wikipedia.org

  Inlet Square Investments LLC acquires the property and advances a mixed-use redevelopment concept.

• 2015

  JCPenney and Stein Mart depart

  [1]Inlet Square Mallen.wikipedia.org

  Two important tenants leave, accelerating the mall's decline.

• 2014

  Kmart closes

  [1]Inlet Square Mallen.wikipedia.org

  The original Kmart anchor leaves after a nearby Walmart Supercenter opens.

• 2011

  Renovation concludes and entertainment venue opens

  [1]Inlet Square Mallen.wikipedia.org

  The delayed renovation is completed, and Frank's CineBowl & Grille opens in the former Regal Cinemas space.

• 2007

  Major remodeling starts

  [1]Inlet Square Mallen.wikipedia.org

  A substantial renovation begins after an earlier repositioning concept fails to materialize.

• 2004

  Coastal Grand Mall opens

  [1]Inlet Square Mallen.wikipedia.org

  The opening of the much larger Coastal Grand Mall increases competitive pressure on Inlet Square.

• 1990

  Mall opens

  [1]Inlet Square Mallen.wikipedia.org

  Inlet Square Mall opens in Garden City with approximately 434,482 square feet and about 45 stores and services.

Originally positioned as a conventional enclosed regional mall for the South Strand area, Inlet Square later shifted toward a smaller, mixed-use retail and hospitality destination designed to serve local and visiting consumers.

• Department store

  Belk

  Belk served as a principal department-store anchor at Inlet Square Mall and was expected to remain at the property through the redevelopment. Its merchandise traditionally spans apparel, footwear, accessories, cosmetics, home goods, and seasonal products, making it one of the site's most important continuing retail uses.

• Fitness center · 2014

  Planet Fitness

  Planet Fitness replaced the former Ladies Choice fitness facility and became one of the mall's final major operating tenants. The club was expected to remain associated with the redeveloped site, with temporary relocation or closure during construction to accommodate changes to the property.

• Entertainment and dining venue · 2011

  Frank's CineBowl & Grille

  Frank's CineBowl & Grille occupied the former Regal Cinemas space from 2011 until 2016. The concept combined movie-going, bowling, food service, and other entertainment, providing a mixed leisure use intended to restore traffic to the declining mall.

• Home improvement retail · 2025

  Floor & Decor

  Floor & Decor became the first reported new store to open as part of the post-mall redevelopment. The retailer specializes in hard-surface flooring and related home-improvement products, giving the new project a large-format destination use distinct from the former enclosed mall tenant mix.

• Arts, crafts, and home decor retail

  Hobby Lobby

  Hobby Lobby was announced as a planned tenant for space associated with the former JCPenney portion of the property. Its expected offer includes arts and crafts supplies, home decor, seasonal merchandise, and related hobby products. Opening timing remained dependent on construction progress.

• Extended-stay hotel

  Home2Suites by Hilton

  A 134-room Home2Suites by Hilton was proposed for a parcel near the retained Belk store. The hotel would add hospitality capacity to the redeveloped property and broaden the site's role beyond retail. Construction was reported as progressing under a separate ownership or development arrangement.

• 2024

  Closure and conversion of the enclosed mallGeneration change

  Background

  The property had lost most of its traditional tenants and was no longer operating as a viable conventional regional mall.

  Action taken

  The mall closed in January, followed by demolition, interior removal, infrastructure work, and construction planning for new retail and hotel uses.

  Aftermath

  The site moved from an enclosed-mall format toward a lower-density mixed-use development, with Belk and Planet Fitness retained or accommodated.

  Source

• 2023

  Acquisition by Inlet Square InvestmentsM&A

  Background

  The largely vacant mall required a new ownership and redevelopment strategy.

  Action taken

  Inlet Square Investments LLC acquired the property and partnered with Paramount Development Corporation on redevelopment planning.

  Aftermath

  Plans shifted toward demolishing most of the enclosed mall and creating a smaller mixed-use commercial and hospitality project.

  Reported acquisition price. $6 million (February 2023)

  Source

• 2012

  Attempted conversion toward an open-air formatStrategy

  Background

  The enclosed mall model was under pressure from newer shopping and entertainment formats.

  Action taken

  F+F Development began reconstruction intended to give the property characteristics similar to Broadway at the Beach.

  Aftermath

  Financial difficulties and bankruptcy interrupted the effort, and RAIT Financial Trust took control of the collateral.

  Source

• 2007

  Launch of major mall renovationStrategy

  Background

  The property faced stronger competition from newer regional and open-air destinations, while its physical condition and tenant traffic were deteriorating.

  Action taken

  Ownership began a multimillion-dollar remodeling program intended to update the aging enclosed shopping center.

  Aftermath

  The work was delayed until 2011 and did not prevent continued anchor and tenant departures.

  Reported renovation cost. $4.5 million (2007-2011)

  Source

1. 1Inlet Square Mallen.wikipedia.org