The Naples Pier, a historic landmark first constructed in 1888, suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Approximately 460 feet of the structure were lost, including the shelter at the end and over 30 pilings.
In response, the City of Naples launched a comprehensive rebuild project to replace the pier with a modern, storm-resilient structure that adheres to current federal, state, and local standards. The updated design will feature enhanced resilience against future storms, a raised pier height, additional shaded areas, and improved seating for visitors.
Project Milestones
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Design Phase:
The City of Naples selected Turrell, Hall & Associates (THA) to design the pier. By October 2023, the City Council approved the 90% design plans, which prioritized reducing the environmental impact by decreasing the number of pilings and increasing the spacing between them. -
Construction Bidding:
The bidding process opened on March 5, 2024, and concluded on June 27, 2024. Shoreline Foundation Inc., a marine contractor based in Broward County, won the contract with a bid of $23.46 million. A 5% contingency was added, bringing the total project cost to $24.63 million. -
Funding:
The rebuild is funded through a mix of sources, including a $5 million state grant, $2.2 million from the county's Tourist Development Council, and $1.4 million in donations from the Community Foundation of Collier County. Additionally, the city approved borrowing up to $13 million to complete the project. -
Permitting and Construction Timeline:
As of October 2024, the city awaited final permits from FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers. Construction is expected to begin in early 2025, with completion projected by August 1, 2025, barring any weather-related delays.
Key Design Updates
The new pier will incorporate modern engineering techniques to enhance durability and environmental sustainability. A significant change is the relocation of the concession stand to the landward side, in compliance with Army Corps of Engineers regulations prohibiting offshore concessions.
For ongoing updates and additional details, visit the City of Naples' official website.