It’s time to dock and roll. Construction on the new Pier 58 construction will move forward this year after the City of Seattle awarded a $34.5 million dollar contract for the project.
The pier was originally shut down in 2016 due to some sketch findings on its structural integrity. The City originally suggested a 2022 start date for a renovation project, but before it could get there, the pier collapsed into the bay in September 2020 — thankfully, there were only minor injuries involved.
Because the plan was for the pier to be yeeted out anyway, the designs for the renovations have remained basically the same. Here’s what comes with the new + boatiful Pier 58.
A hull of a time
With a heavy focus in aquatic themes, the new Pier 58 will feature:
- A new playground with an 18-foot-tall jellyfish-inspired climbing tower, a slide, climbable tentacles, and swings
- A shaded tree grove and elevated lawn for seating
- A plaza and event space intended for outdoor concerts
- A restroom and adjacent concierge desk that can assist visitors with programming info
- An art installation by Puyallup Tribe member Qwalsius - Shaun Peterson titled “Family”
- The reinstalled Fitzgerald Fountain — which went overboard when the pier collapsed
Kelpin’ it green
Along with the human-centric features, the new design also accommodates our fishy friends with:
- Incorporated open ocean space that provides light underwater to help nourish aquatic plant life (which the fish eat)
- Grated floors in other areas of the pier so young salmon can see where they’re going as they migrate (no one likes to fumble around in the dark)
- And another entrance/exit at the back of the pier so that fish can get over to the migration corridor more easily
Pier relationships
Along with the construction announcement on Pier 58, sails are up on a few other related projects.
Pier 63, which has definitely seen better days, will be demolished and left vacant for more lighting and environmental purposes. The pier originally closed in 2017 due to safety concerns — and will be removed in conjunction with the Pier 58 construction.
Also, the concrete woes continue a bit longer. Concrete drivers agreed to go back to work in early, but companies are still working to reschedule long-awaited deliveries. Because of a lack of the sturdy, gray substance’s availability, the city has pushed back the opening date of the full Waterfront Project, which covers 20 acres, from 2024 to 2025.
