Unlike previous St. Pete piers, the new pier will have significant landside development at its base. The waterfront area of the Pelican Parking Lot will be developed into the Hub, and the area where Second Avenue meets the seawall will become the Welcome Mat. The Pelican Parking Lot will still retain 157 parking spaces, and there will be another 312 at the existing Dolphin Parking Lot. The Welcome Mat and Hub will be the first destination in this multi-destination pier. No longer will visitors have to walk to the end of the pier for events, restrooms, restaurants, shops, or shade. All of these amenities will now be landside at the base of new pier, with more at the next destination, the Marina, and even more at end of pier on the Promontory. Let's start at the beginning and take a look at the Welcome Mat.
Just like any home or business, the new pier will have its own welcome mat. But at approximate 47,000 square feet, this welcome mat will be a tad larger. The new pier's Welcome Mat will have a turnaround to drop off visitors and also accommodate the new electric trolley, the Downtown Looper, and other public transportation. A large paved area called the Public Piazza will be available for events such as art and car shows, and farmers markets. There'll be electrical outlets, hookups for food trucks, and free Wi-Fi. Landscaped and well lit at night including low-level soft lighting, the Welcome Mat will be an inviting entrance to the new St. Pete Pier. Branching off to the North, the Overwater Drive begins its curved approach to the pier. While to the South, the Overwater Bridge begins its approach making its first stop at the rooftop terrace of the Hub.
The Hub will have the largest indoor space of the new pier. On the waterfront overlooking the new pier and Albert Whitted Airport, the Hub platform will have 21,000 square feet elevated close to the same height as Second Avenue. The City is providing infrastructure for privately developed retail and restaurants - a huge savings to taxpayers. The owners of the Columbia restaurant have announced plans to invest $3 million to build a new Columbia restaurant at the Hub. The city will receive rental income and a portion of the restaurant's revenue. This new waterfront restaurant will have both indoor and outdoor seating. As mentioned, the restaurant will have a rooftop terrace connecting to the Overwater Bridge. The new Columbia will have 7,500 square feet of air conditioned space, seat 220 inside, 100 outside, and employ 135 people. Owners have also discussed building boat docks in front of the restaurant. The Hub will have space for an additional restaurant and more retail. Further development of this area is possible. Also at the Hub will be free Wi-Fi, public restrooms, and of course full handicap access.
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Not far from Beach Drive, the Welcome Mat and Hub will be a short walk making it easier for pedestrians to visit the new pier. For those driving, passengers can be dropped off at the turnaround, and parking is nearby. The city's Downtown Looper will stop at the Welcome Mat as will the electric trolley which continues on to the Marina, Promontory, and back again. The rooftop terrace of the new Columbia restaurant will offer beautiful views of both the Bay and city. The connecting Overwater Bridge will entice diners to explore further, and maybe visit the circular Marina to watch paddleboats and kayaks come and go. The Public Piazza at the Welcome Mat offers opportunities for vendors to sell their wares, and for various events of all kinds. Retail shops at the Hub will be a good place to pick up a souvenir. There'll be lots to do and see at the new pier, and it all begins at the Welcome Mat and Hub. Pier into the future, and maybe you can see it already. The Welcome Mat and Hub at the New St. Petersburg Pier. Let's get it built!
http://www.buildthepier.com/
http://www.thenewstpetepier.com/
