Mixed-use project would bring housing, commercial development and new county contributions if approved by Horry County Council.
CONWAY, SC — Another large-scale housing project is on the table for Carolina Forest, where continued growth is fueling an ongoing debate over whether infrastructure can keep pace with new development.
A proposed mixed-use community planned near U.S. Highway 501 and Middle Ridge Avenue is moving forward after receiving a favorable recommendation from the Horry County Planning Commission. The project calls for 786 residential units, including both single-family homes and multifamily housing, along with commercial development on a 472-acre tract.
The proposal represents one of the latest major developments being considered in Carolina Forest, an area that has experienced significant residential growth over the past decade and continues to face concerns over traffic congestion and school crowding.
Developers are seeking to rezone the property from Commercial Forest Agriculture to a Planned Development District, a change required before construction can begin. County planning records indicate only a portion of the site is suitable for development, with large areas consisting of ponds, wetlands and other undevelopable land.
As part of the proposal, nearly 280 acres would remain as open space. Plans also include a walking trail and a landscaped buffer along Middle Ridge Avenue.
County officials say the development agreement includes several commitments from the developer, including the donation of five acres for future county use and impact payments tied to both residential and commercial construction. The contributions are intended to help offset demands created by future growth.
This project could generate more than 6,400 vehicle trips per day when fully built, adding to ongoing conversations about transportation improvements throughout the Carolina Forest area. Local schools have also been a focus of previous discussions as enrollment continues to outpace capacity at several campuses.
Potential commercial uses identified in planning documents include office space, warehouse and storage facilities, as well as wholesale and distribution operations. The proposal is expected to advance to Horry County Council, which will have the final say on the requested rezoning and development agreement.
© 2026 CoastalCarolinaNews.com. All rights reserved.
Be the first to comment