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City unveils refined design for Ocean Beach Pier replacement – ​​San Diego Union-Tribune

Posted on by Nargang
City unveils refined design for Ocean Beach Pier replacement – ​​San Diego Union-Tribune

San Diego officials on Saturday unveiled details of the amenities they hope to include on the new Ocean Beach Pier amid ongoing efforts to reimagine the crumbling icon.

The city announced in August that the 58-year-old jetty, which has been closed for more than a year, would not reopen – repairing the damage it received last winter after being hit by large waves would be too expensive.

Instead, the city will continue to move forward with efforts to reimagine the pier’s long-term future and hopefully replace it.

“It’s been a long journey, but I think for a project of this size it’s worth it,” said Elif Cetin, acting director of the city’s engineering and capital projects department.

A plaza, extended walkway and bleachers would allow for unobstructed views of ocean sunsets. Improved and expanded fishing grounds would include both cleaning and cutting stations.

Rendering of the amenities included in the final preferred design concept for the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal Project. (Courtesy of the City of San Diego)
Rendering of amenities included in the final preferred design concept for the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal Project. (Courtesy of the City of San Diego)

Those are some of the amenities city staff presented to about 100 people at Liberty Station at the fifth and final workshop in a series of community events to get input on a long-term solution. A 2018 study determined that the aging structure was at the end of its lifespan.

“We envision a place where the community can come together and celebrate the theater of the ocean,” said Rick España, principal at RNT Architects.

It is the culmination of more than a year and a half of work on one renewal projectin which the city asked San Diegans to share stories about what the landmark means to them, what they miss and what kinds of pier experiences are important.

Officials said Saturday that a replacement is estimated to cost between $170 million and $190 million, which includes demolishing the old pier.

“We are committed to continuing these discussions, obtaining the necessary funding and permits, and bringing this community-driven vision to life,” Cetin said.

After the final preferred design concept was presented in April, the design team made adjustments based on public feedback.

Rendering of amenities included in the final preferred design concept for the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal Project. (Courtesy of the City of San Diego)
Rendering of amenities included in the final preferred design concept for the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal Project. (Courtesy of the City of San Diego)

The design incorporates both iconic elements of the existing pier and new amenities, city staff said.

“We want to make this extremely durable, using materials that can not only withstand harsh coastal environments, but could be easy to maintain,” España explained to the audience.

The new breakwater would be built on roughly the same footprint as the existing pier, but with a higher deck height to minimize the potential for wave damage and account for future sea level rise. Work would begin at the base of the levee, where it connects to the ground, and would work westward.

After city staff and engineering consultants shared updates on the project, attendees were invited to see up-close renderings, including two 3D models of the new pier design.

As the design team puts the finishing touches on the pier redesign, city staff said they continue to work on obtaining the necessary environmental permits.

The city hopes to put out bids by the end of 2026 and begin construction by early 2028. A full timeline is available on the project’s website at OBPierRenewal.com.

This timeframe may change as it depends on obtaining permits and funding.

Rendering of amenities included in the final preferred design concept for the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal Project. (Courtesy of the City of San Diego)
Rendering of amenities included in the final preferred design concept for the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal Project. (Courtesy of the City of San Diego)

Most residents in attendance said they were eager for construction to begin, however some expressed concerns about funding.

The renovation project has been fully funded by an $8.4 million grant from the state so far. City staff said they are already working to secure additional funding to continue the project, which will include other state and federal grants as well as public-private partnership opportunities.

Once environmental clearance and funding have been secured, demolition of the existing structure and construction of the new seawall will take place.

While this was the last workshop for the renewal project, it won’t be the last opportunity for the public to contribute, Cetin said. An environmental impact report will be available for review once it is completed.

In addition, city staff will present the pier design to various community groups, including the Ocean Beach Community Planning Group, the Historic Resources Board and the City Council.

Rendering of amenities included in the final preferred design concept for the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal Project. (Courtesy of the City of San Diego)
Rendering of the amenities included in the final preferred design concept for the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal Project. (Courtesy of the City of San Diego)

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