December 15, 2022  Naples, Florida                           Photo Credit: Naples Government, Turrell, Hall & Associates

UPDATE 4.24.23

Since December, three other firms have submitted proposals for the pier. Last week, the city of Naples awarded Turrell, Hall & Associates a $1.5 Million design contract. The city and representatives from THA have stated that things are moving quickly behind the scenes and they plan to start construction as soon as possible. 

 

The Naples Pier reconstruction project is underway after the pier sustained significant damage from Hurricane Ian. The city of Naples hired Turrell, Hall & Associates, THA, to assess the damage and provide guidance on how to move forward. They presented their findings and future plans for the pier at the December 7th city council meeting.

Hurricane Ian Damage

During the storm, the pier was battered by 20 ft waves and 150 MPH winds. Many pilings failed, vast sections of the deck crumbled, the walls of the concession area were blown out and the Westernmost portion of the pier was washed away entirely.

Naples Pier Reconstruction Plans

Though the destruction of this landmark was devastating, it will give the city of Naples a chance to improve the pier’s design. After assessing the damage, THA found that the majority of the damage could have been avoided if the pier was just three feet higher. Preliminary plans for the pier include raising the overall height and implementing other improvements to the structural design.

Not only will reconstruction improve the pier’s design to withstand storms, but it will also improve the experience for visitors. At the council meeting, THA presented renderings of the rebuilt pier that modeled the historic design with more functional features. The renderings include a lower fishing deck at the edge of the pier that surrounds a raised gazebo, bench bump outs to help with congestion and modifications to the concession area.

What’s Next?

The city is expecting emergency permits to be granted by January. The city is currently working on finalizing the design. However, all modifications to the current design will have to be brought to the Army Corps of Engineers, which will lengthen the process.  After the modifications are approved, the city will select a contractor and move forward with the rebuild. Project leaders are pushing for construction to be completed in phases so the pier will be back open to the public as soon as possible.

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