$40M housing project for international students breaks ground in Myrtle Beach

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — A $40 million housing project designed to support international students is under construction in Myrtle Beach, aiming to alleviate seasonal housing shortages and sustain the area's tourism industry.

The facility, located on Mr. Joe White Avenue, is expected to open its first building by April 2025, just in time for the summer season. When completed, the development will feature five units capable of housing up to 1,572 students. The first phase includes two buildings with a total capacity of 360 beds.

International students play a vital role in Myrtle Beach's tourism economy, making up about 4% of the workforce each year. These workers often fill key roles in hotels, restaurants, and attractions, particularly during the early and late parts of the tourism season. However, a lack of affordable and reliable housing has presented challenges for students and employers alike.

"This is huge for our economy," said Mark Lazarus, president of Lazarus Entertainment Group. "There's a misconception out there that this takes the place of local workers. Absolutely not. These students fill a void, particularly at the front and back ends of the season when we need them the most."

Lazarus emphasized the importance of providing safe and dependable housing for international students, explaining that his company has already secured accommodations for workers arriving next year.

"We have agreements with the developers, and we've already secured beds for students coming in March or April of 2025," Lazarus said. "When they arrive, they'll know exactly where they're staying. That peace of mind is critical for these workers and their families."

The housing complex is designed to create more than just a place to stay—it's intended to foster a sense of community for international students. Each building will include four-person rooms with bunk beds, private bathrooms, and kitchenettes. Additional amenities include common kitchens, laundry facilities, recreational areas, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

"Our goal isn't just to provide housing but to create a living experience," said Bullock, a representative for the project. "We want these students to feel like they're part of the community."

Safety and security are major priorities for the facility. The property will be fully fenced, and residents will have RFID access to their buildings and units. Full-time staff will be on-site 24/7, and live video monitoring will cover shared spaces and hallways. Visitor access will be limited to ensure student safety.

"The buildings will have someone on-site at all times, and there are rules in place to protect residents," Bullock said. "We're building a community space where students can gather, and we want them to feel secure while they're living and working here."

Developers and local leaders believe the project will provide significant economic benefits by making it easier for international students to come to Myrtle Beach. With housing challenges reduced, more students may be attracted to the area, helping businesses maintain operations during the busiest parts of the year.

"These kids are essential to keeping things running," Lazarus said. "Without them, restaurants might have to close sections of their dining rooms, and attractions could cut hours. They support the workforce we already have, and they spend money here, which generates more tax revenue."

The complex's location on Mr. Joe White Avenue puts it close to many of Myrtle Beach's major attractions, including Broadway at the Beach. Students will also have access to bike paths, public transportation, and rideshare options.

"We chose this location because it's central to everything," Lazarus said. "It's an easy bike ride to work or to the beach, and public transportation will make it even more accessible."

For many international students, this housing project represents an opportunity to live and work in Myrtle Beach without the added stress of finding accommodations in an unfamiliar place.

"These students are coming from far away, and we want them to feel like part of our family here," Lazarus said. "It's about creating a safe and secure environment where they can succeed in their jobs and leave with a positive experience."

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Savannah Denton joined News 13 in July 2023 as a reporter and producer. Savannah is from Atlanta, Georgia, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama. Follow Savannah on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here .