Hilton Head’s Salty Dog complex gets a facelift. Demolition of a section has started
A new chapter for an iconic Hilton Head landmark is unfurling.
The long-awaited partial demolition of the South Beach Marina Village began Tuesday. Lovers of the historic vacation spot can watch the demolition live on the Salty Dog Cafe’s website or visit in person.
The cluster of red, white, and blue buildings at the northern end of the complex traces its roots back to Hilton Head Island’s fledgling years. Reports from The Island Packet archives reveal a slice of the iconic destination’s history.
Sea Pines founder and Hilton Head visionary Charles Fraser originally built the marina in the late 1960s, it was much smaller and contained fewer buildings.
Real estate tycoon Ned E. Gilleland Sr. bought the property from him in 1980, and embarked on a project to expand the marina. It took seven years to complete the expansion and dredge the marina, which had accumulated so much silt and sand that boats were sitting on mud during low tide.
The complex’s charming architecture that has long captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike paid homage to the seaside villages of New England. Gilleland traveled to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Massachusetts to draw inspiration.
The Salty Dog Cafe, located on the south side of the complex, opened its doors in 1987. Owner Robert Gossett eventually purchased the marina from Gilleland in 1998, according to town property records.
Now, a major renovation for the marina is underway. Once the nearly 40-year old buildings on the northern end of the complex have been torn down, a new complex will be built in its place. The new designs will retain the building’s iconic red, white, and blue striped design, although with slightly muted colors of “wineberry” red and “naval” blue.
Gilleland, now 90 years old is a resident of Sea Pines but declined to discuss the changes to his original vision for the area.
This story was originally published February 14, 2025 at 12:51 PM with the headline "Hilton Head’s Salty Dog complex gets a facelift. Demolition of a section has started."
