It's industrialization at its finest, and consequences at their worst. What is a poor beachweeker to do?
The Helms, a hotel on North Myrtle Beach, S.C. -- a popular post-finals destination for University students -- is being demolished.
Nivi Shroff, owner of the hotel, said work will commence early this spring.
Because of the age of the building, maintenance is quite expensive, Shroff said. Consequently, cost is transferred to vacationers who are increasingly less willing to pay a high price for an old hotel.
"The Helms is no longer economically feasible," Shroff said. "A lot of people want a newer property."
A high rise of condos will be built in place of the Helms. The condos will be individually owned but still will operate like the Helms, Shroff said. Shroff and her husband will be the managers of the condos.
The construction, projected to be completed by May 2004, is sure to put many students in a bind. With the Helms being such a central place for parties and student residence during Beach Week, many will be forced to find another option.
The Seashell Motel across the street from the Helms -- also owned by the Shroffs -- will be torn down in the process as well.
Shroff did, however, mention a possible alternative for students this year. The owners of the Seaside Inn, a motel located two miles south of the Helms, have agreed to let students stay there this year.
"In the past they wouldn't take students," Shroff said. "But now they've agreed to -- as long as students behave themselves."
But for many students, this alternative will not be the same.
"For the last three Beach Weeks, the Helms have been a staple of my stay," fourth-year Architecture student Matan Chaffee said. "Beach Week won't be the same without it."
Although Shroff sympathized with students, she said the project can't be helped.
"I know this is sad for students," Shroff said. "The Helms has become a tradition for many people, but there's no other way."
Since word of the construction was only confirmed about three days ago, Shroff said the hotel's priority is to contact people who had planned to come within the next few months -- some of whom already have made reservations and put down deposits.
In regards to students, Shraff has not planned to tell them about the construction just yet. For those who have called the hotel, however, she is "telling them up-front."
In May, the Spanish Galleon still will be packed with college students -- but they just might have to stumble a bit further on their way home.
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