How in spite of bankruptcy, Market Commons turned into a peaceful refuge for both locals and visitors

Built just a couple years ago in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Market Commons promised to become a financial success. Market Commons Myrtle Beach is a 114 acre lifestyle center with townhomes, small stores, restaurants, a movie theatre, and a grocery store. It was supposed to attract crowds of locals and visitors, as well as a sturdy cash flow.

However, the economic crisis left its trace everywhere, not setting apart the newly constructed complex. On May, 2010, its owners claimed bankruptcy. Tons of efforts and money seemed to be spent in vain, but there is a side to Market Commons that a lot of people tend to leave unnoticed: its potential as a perfect place for socializing and enjoying life.

Constructed on the site of an Air Force Base, Market Commons has a footprint of history. The area played a vital role in such conflicts as Cuban missile crisis, Vietnam War, and Desert Storm. Valor Memorial Garden, as well as Warbird Park, have memorial information signs noting historical facts from the World War II to the present that shaped the history of Myrtle Beach Air Force Base.

Many streets are named after former MBAFB Wing and Base Commanders. A former base commander Edsel DeVille says the historical marker program is vital, because this was more than just a military base. It was an essential part of the Grand Strand for more than 50 years.

Market Commons is “the small town growing into a larger town, Myrtle Beach, and I think it’s very appropriate that we preserve that history,” DeVille says.

The area’s heroic past adds an unusual touch to the already special atmosphere of the place. Market Commons reminds one of a town square back in the ‘50s-‘60s with a settled beauty that it managed to retain, in spite of the abundant presence of commercial property. The aura of the place makes visitors feel as if they are in their backyard. The lack of neon signs adds to the feeling of an old town US where no technology is preventing people from enjoying gifts of nature and civilization combined.

A lot of attention was given to the details in the Construction of Market Commons. From the architecture style to the playground and a lake, everything is close to perfection. Sitting on a bench and breathing in the smell of wooden chips makes the best stress reliever possible. Greek arches dressed in grapevines guard the sidewalks while soft sounds of music streaming from under the ground are magnifying magic in the air. The town square clock shows time passing by peacefully. The fountains surrounded by festive flowers pump the water in the air that makes all wishes come true, and the rain of coins never stops here.

Some visitors believe that Market Commons has a distinct personality.
“It’s more than just an attractive tourist area. It’s the right place to go to if you want the time to slow down, if you want to reflect on what your life is about,” thinks Ruslan, who is indulging his vacation in Market Commons.

An active life style reflects the pace of Market Commons. Baseball fields, whose importance can’t be under evaluated, bring everyone to watch kids play America’s favorite pastime. Well-kept, creatively designed, it’s a magnet for younger and older generations. On the streets of Market Commons a visitor will spot rollerbladers whose laughter is charging streets with energy and is calling for an active, healthy way of life.

People who work at Market Commons think that the atmosphere is what makes the place stand out. “Market Commons is more upscale, more intimate. It’s not so tourist,” thinks Daniela, the manager of Dulce Lusso, a spar, located in Market Commons. “Only those who treasure every second of their lives come here, not the ones who want to kill time,” she says.

As visitors are going down the street, or when they are sitting down on a wooden rocking chair, they feel the clock ticking, and the time flowing by, but it doesn’t bother them as it normally would. The reason is that they are in Market Commons where everything slows down its pace for them to embrace the moment and enjoy life.