St. Petersburg has had a city pier since 1889, and while none were built without controversy, none required a citywide vote. The fourth city pier was the 1926 Million-Dollar Pier, and that was demolished in 1967 leaving only the approach and apron. After years of stagnation, the 1973 pyramid building opened using the same approach and apron. The St. Petersburg pier, in all its forms, has always been an icon for our city. As a city icon, the pier has drawn tourists to our city. And let's not forget , the main industry in Florida is tourism. Tourism drives our economy, creates jobs, and increases our tax base.
After years of study, the city determined that it would be too expensive to repair the pyramid pier. The 1926 approach and apron could no longer be repaired – they had to be replaced. The pyramid building could be refurbished, but at great cost, and the first floor retail would have to be eliminated due to current flood codes. A group formed to save the pier disputed the city's findings, and submitted a proposal to refurbish the pier within the $50 million budget. But city engineers determined that their proposal underestimated actual costs by at least $20 million.
Opponents of the new pier also question engineers, but time and time again their concerns have been refuted by solid engineering analysis. The most recent rebuke was wind tunnel results which not only passed, but exceeded expectations. The iconic canopy not only shades the pier, but deflects the wind around it creating a more comfortable environment beneath it. The process of choosing the new pier has also been criticized, but again, the facts show different: over 60 open meetings, a design contest held, models on public display, and the new pier chosen met most task force recommendations. The process of choosing the pier was long, open, and thorough.
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The design of the new pier reflects not only the new St. Petersburg, but the old as well – something opponents fail to realize. Cities built years ago were more pedestrian friendly, and modern urban planning has returned to these roots. St. Petersburg's wide sidewalks, downtown shops, and waterfront parks make it one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in the country. What was old is now new again. With landside development and a center marina, the new pier has multiple destinations with plenty of shade and places to sit, all of which invites pedestrians to walk and explore. A reminder of years past, an electric trolley can take visitors to the end and back. There'll be restaurants, concessions, a bait shop, boat rentals, and plenty of things to do. Let's honor the past and shape the future with the new St. Petersburg Pier!
http://www.buildthepier.com/
http://www.thenewstpetepier.com/
