Pier into the Future through the Lens

Not sure what the Lens, the New St. Pete Pier has to offer?  Let's take a closer look at each destination of this multidestination pier.

The Welcome Mat and Hub

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.  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 accommodate public transportation.    A large paved area called the Public Piazza will be available for events such as art and car shows, and farmers markets. 

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.  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, and a rooftop terrace connecting to the 32 feet high Overwater Bridge.  Should be some nice views from up there.

The Overwater Drive and Bridge

The two approaches to the new St. Petersburg Pier are the Overwater Drive and the Overwater Bridge, or as opponents call them, "sidewalks to nowhere."   They seem unaware that the Overwater Drive and Bridge both lead to the Marina in the center of the pier, and continue on to the Promontory at the end.  The Overwater Drive and Bridge will be 22 and 12 feet wide respectively.   Both approaches are designed primarily for pedestrians, but the Overwater Drive will allow emergency, maintenance, and service vehicles as well as the electric tram.  The Overwater Drive will be built higher than the old pier's approach to meet current flood codes and allow for projected sea level rise.  The new height will be 14.8' offering a much better view than the old pier. 

The Marina

One of the many unique features of the new St. Petersburg Pier will be the circular Marina near its center.   Boaters will enter the Marina under a large archway on the north side of new pier.  This welcoming arch completes the circle of the Marina, and is also a stairway offering yet more views of our beautiful Bay.  The new Marina will be a floating dock with wave attenuators calming the waters to make docking easier.  Welcoming kayaks, paddle boards, and other personal watercraft,  the Marina will be part of the Blueways Paddling Trail.  Also at the Marina will be a bait shop, concessions, boat rentals, a souvenir shop, and public restrooms.   The new Marina will be accessible by both the Overwater Drive and Bridge, which are connected by the shaded Marina Overlook - a great place to watch the activities at the Marina, and front row seats for watching projected images (including 3-D light mapping) on the iconic canopy over the Promontory.

The Promontory

The Promontory at the end of new pier is where it will all happen, the place to be for most activities and events .  The latest design of Promontory has it at 22,900 square feet with an additional 2000 square feet for the amphitheater.  The Promontory includes space for a 3200 square foot restaurant that is being developed privately (additional tax savings).  There'll also be a concession stand, restrooms, hookups for food trucks, fishing platforms, and access to observation levels via a stairway and an elevator.  Free Wi-Fi will be available.  And unlike the outside of old pier where people gathered for events,  most of the Promontory will be covered by the large canopy offering shade and protection from rain.  Rain and sun will no longer be an issue when attending outdoor events, and isn't  that why people visit the pier, to be outside over the Bay?   The activities and events at the old pier will also be held at the new pier including:  having a drink or bite to eat, listening to music, dancing, attending a wedding, fishing, visiting friends, and taking in the views.   Pier into the future through the Lens, the new St. Petersburg Pier.  Vote NO on the anti-progress referendum and let's Build The Pier!  
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