News Summary

Hilton Head’s South Beach Marina is set for significant renovations by owners Bob Gossett and Tim Stearn, who plan to replace half of the iconic complex that has served the community for 40 years. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2025, pending permit approvals from town officials. While excitement builds among visitors, concerns linger about the impact on existing businesses and the preservation of the marina’s charm. The renovated site aims to offer modern amenities while maintaining the traditional design elements that locals cherish.

Hilton Head

Major renovations are set to transform the South Beach Marina in Hilton Head, with plans by marina owners Bob Gossett and Tim Stearn to replace half of the iconic complex, which has housed shops, restaurants, and the South Beach Inn for the last 40 years. As of summer 2025, visitors are expected to witness plans unfold as a bustling crowd gathers at the nearby Salty Dog Cafe, while construction progresses swiftly towards a modernized facility.

The renovation site has been cleared and fenced off, leaving behind stacks of vinyl sheet piling and construction equipment, such as a forklift, in place of the previous structures. The area has been designated as shovel-ready, allowing the developers to commence work once they address the deck and support structures. State and federal permits have already been obtained, setting the stage for significant advancements in the project.

On March 21, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit for the developers, while the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) granted permission to rebuild the dock and install a new bulkhead. Despite having cleared these major bureaucratic hurdles, a building permit from the town of Hilton Head remains necessary before construction can officially begin. Town spokesperson Heather Woolwine indicated that the permit application has not yet been submitted, which is crucial for the renovations to proceed.

Project Details and Timeline

Once the building permit application is submitted, it is expected to take around three weeks for approval, according to Trey Lowe, Development Services Program Manager. The project has received approval from both the town’s Design Review Board and the Sea Pines Architectural Review Board, which has bolstered community engagement and interest in the developments.

The design of the new structures will retain the traditional red, white, and blue striped colors that have become synonymous with the marina. However, these hues will be updated to slightly muted shades known as “wineberry” red and “naval” blue, contributing to the aesthetic freshness sought by the owners. The buildings’ overall footprint is expected to decrease from approximately 12,500 square feet to about 10,000 square feet, indicative of a streamlined approach to development.

Impacts on Existing Businesses and Community Sentiment

Concerns about the future of several establishments located within South Beach Marina have taken precedence among residents and visitors during the renovation discussions. The South Beach Inn & Vacation Rentals has been closed for several years and is unlikely to be replaced with lodging in the new complex, drawing skepticism about the continuity of hospitality offerings at the marina.

Community members have expressed mixed sentiments regarding the renovations. While there is excitement over improvements and modernization, many are concerned about preserving the marina’s enduring “southern charm.” These sentiments have been vocalized during community meetings, indicating a need for open communication and collaboration throughout the renovation phase.

In the meantime, a live camera has been set up on the restaurant’s website, providing real-time coverage of the demolition, along with a countdown timer that anticipates imminent activity at the site.

As part of the renovations, a new vehicle drop-off area will be constructed near the marina to improve accessibility for visitors. However, notable pride in various existing establishments—like the Salty Dog Cafe and Land’s End Tavern—remains intact, as the planned renovations will not affect the southern side of the property.

As the community awaits further developments and updates on this impactful renovation project, the overall timeline for completion remains uncertain until the necessary building permits for the rebuild are formally applied for. Looking ahead, it is clear that while progress is on the horizon, the project will likely continue to foster a variety of opinions from community members invested in the future of South Beach Marina.

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Additional Resources

• AOL News: Hilton Head Iconic Walls Fall
• Island Packet: Food & Drink
• Travel + Leisure: Hilton Head Island Guide
• Post and Courier: Hilton Head Beach Renourishment Project
• AOL News: Salty Dog Complex in Hilton Head
• Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
• Google Search: Hilton Head
• Google Scholar: Hilton Head Island
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
• Google News: Hilton Head

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.