Two renovation projects on the east coast of Florida have won awards from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
The Fort Pierce City Marina was severely damaged by Hurricane Francis in 2004, so a more resilient design was required for its renovation.
Going beyond just avoiding environmental impacts, the regenerated marina is actually restorative: creating 13 acres of nature-like breakwater islands with more than 21 acres of environmental enhancements including oyster habitat, mangrove plantings, dune grass plantings, seagrass habitat improvements, and shorebird nesting habitat.
The creation of the barrier island was based on beneficial reuse of dredged material: all of the sand for the construction of the large dune-like island was dredged from existing navigation channels or reclaimed from dredged areas.
In Miami, the South Point Pier had been closed for over 10 years, due to its dilapidated state.
The reconstruction was challenging, due to its location in one the highest hurricane impact zones, limited land-side access, sensitive coral habitats, and high interest in the local and regulatory communities.
The innovative design of the renovated pier has new viewing areas, shade structures, turtle-safe lighting, entry gates, fish-cleaning stations, and pedestrian plazas.