New Hilton hotel opening in Murrells Inlet. Here’s what we know about the project

With demolition underway at the Inlet Square Mall site in Murrells Inlet, developers already have businesses lined up to fill the now-empty center.

A 134-room room, Home2 Suites by Hilton, is planned for the Inlet Square Mall, according to a requested variance form submitted to the Horry County Zoning Board of Appeals. The hotel would reside on less than five acres of land near the Belk store in the Inlet Square site.

Hilton’s Home2 Suites brand focuses on providing amenities at an inexpensive price, according to Hospitality Net. Hospitality Net also reported that 435 Home2 Suites will be added to the more than 330 already open.

The hotel is the second major tenant known to be part of the new development. Paramount Development Corporation Vice President David Harner said Hobby Lobby will open a 52,000-square-foot store as one of the four main retail sites for lease. Paramount Development Corporation is spearheading the revitalization of the Inlet Square Mall site.

Harner estimated that Hobby Lobby, which will occupy the former site of JCPenney, would open in spring 2025, barring delays. He added that Paramount has a letter of intent for an additional retail vendor for the property in a 55,000-square-foot space but did not say who the deal was with or when it would be finalized.

One part of the proposed plan for the Inlet Square Mall redevelopment must wait for now. Paramount Development Corporation’s proposal for the property included a 13.5-acre plot of land designated for multi-family housing, including a pool and park area.

Harner said the Inlet Square Mall site isn’t approved for multi-family use. However, the company will consider housing after SCDOT completes road work and infrastructure improvements around the mall site.

“We consider the multifamily to be an excellent use, and we feel like the market shows very clearly that it can accommodate it,” Harner said. “But it’s not a permitted use, so it’s really nothing that we’re considering at this time other than conceptual.”