News Summary
South Beach Marina in Hilton Head is undergoing major renovations with the demolition of existing structures. The project will revamp the marina’s shops and enhance its appearance while keeping iconic spots like Salty Dog Cafe unaffected. Preparations are underway, and community reactions are mixed, expressing both excitement and concern. The transformation aims to maintain the area’s charm amidst modernization efforts.
Hilton Head, SC – Major renovations at the iconic South Beach Marina in Sea Pines are set to begin as the demolition of existing structures gets underway. The project involves the removal of the distinctive red, white, and blue walls, along with the roof, staircases, and windows on the northern end of the marina. Tim Stearns, Chief Operating Officer of South Beach Management Group, has confirmed that the demolition timeline is established and preparations are already in place.
The planned renovation aims to reorganize the marina’s shops and revamp its overall appearance, marking a significant transformation of this popular tourist destination. The scope of the renovation will focus on one segment of the marina, which covers approximately six acres. Not all parts of the marina will be affected; notably, the southern side, including the well-loved Salty Dog Cafe, will remain untouched throughout the renovations.
The Salty Dog Cafe, a fixture in the area since its inception in 1987, will continue operating without interruption. Other nearby establishments such as Land’s End Tavern, the General Store, and the t-shirt shop will also avoid any impact from the demolition efforts. Green temporary fencing has been erected around the northern side to secure the demolition site, which ranges from the Island Water Sports building to the remaining sections of the property.
In addition to the demolition, several buildings—specifically the South Beach Inn and Vacation Rentals, Wreck of the Salty Dog, Jake’s Cargo, and A Shore Thing—will transition their use from lodging to restaurants and retail spaces. Plans include constructing a new vehicle drop-off area near the marina as part of the renovation.
As of Wednesday morning, the countdown for demolition indicated a start time of Thursday at 10 a.m.; however, later updates revised the timeline to five days later. A live camera on the Salty Dog Cafe website will offer real-time updates of the demolition progress, allowing the community to follow the changes firsthand. The renovation project has been cleared through the Sea Pines Architectural Review Board, which approved the final plans on May 28, with the town of Hilton Head following suit by approving the conceptual plan on July 12. However, as of now, no building applications for reconstruction have yet been submitted to the town.
Community sentiment surrounding the renovations is mixed, with conversations on Facebook showing a split between excitement and concerns about maintaining the marina’s “southern charm.” The ongoing changes at South Beach Marina will undoubtedly mark a new era for this Hilton Head landmark, which has been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists for decades.
The marina was commissioned in the late 1960s by Charles Fraser, the founder of Sea Pines, and later expanded in the 1980s by real estate tycoon Ned E. Gilleland Sr. Previous ownership by Robert Gossett began in 1998 when he purchased the property from Gilleland. Renovation efforts will first focus on the deck and support structures before moving on to construct new retail spaces.
Developers have successfully obtained the necessary state and federal permits for construction but are still in the process of applying for the required building permit from the town of Hilton Head. The town’s design review process is complete, having focused on preserving the island’s character through the use of natural materials and more muted colors in the reimagined structures.
The upcoming renovation of South Beach Marina signals the beginning of a significant transformation for this cherished landmark, balancing modernization with a commitment to maintaining the area’s historical essence.
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Additional Resources
- AOL: Walls Fall at Iconic Hilton Head
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- Island Packet: Local Food & Drink
- Google Search: Hilton Head Marina renovation
- Hilton: Enhancing the Stay
- Google Scholar: Hilton Head Island tourism
- Business Wire: Marriott Hilton Head Renovation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
- Island Packet: Latest News
- Google News: South Beach Marina renovation
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.
