Video: The New St Pete Pier

Big things are happening in Saint Petersburg! In May, the Saint Petersburg City Council approved the design and future construction of a new Saint Petersburg Pier. The new Pier, designed by Los Angeles based firm Michael Maltzan Architecture, is scheduled to begin construction in 2014, barring a public petition large enough to bring the matter to a public vote.

The initial design shown to Pinellas County Officials, featuring looping, overlapping walkways, a concrete canopy, amphitheater, and an underwater garden, is expected to undergo some slight changes in order to bring the overall cost within the city’s $50 million budget. Despite said changes, residents and tourists alike can expect to see the same iconic “Lens” shaped design pictured in the concepts. The massive magnifying glass-like pier will replace the Inverted Pyramid design that has served as a St.Petersburg landmark since 1973.

The St. Petersburg City Council’s signing of this development contract has been one of the most significant events to take place in regards to the future of the Pier – it is a process that began four years ago due to a 2004 finding made by the City Engineering Department that the bridge support leading to the Pier’s main structure would need to be replaced sometime around 2014. While some of the St. Petersburg City Council members maintain that the new pier will benefit the community of St. Petersburg, its construction has been met with some opposition, largely represented by the Political Action Committee known as Vote On The Pier. Watch a video on the Lens here:

The Lens: St. Petersburg Pier from Michael Maltzan Architecture on Vimeo.

What do you think? Does Saint Petersburg need a new Pier or is the cost too great? Leave your two cents in the comments section below!