In the state of Washington on April 22, 2021, the City of Seattle‘s Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects announced that it has completed the removal of Pier 58.
Pier removal began in September 2020 in response to deterioration of the pier structure; the City moved quickly to close the park in August 2020 once evidence of deterioration was identified, then moved forward with pier removal using emergency contracting protocols.
“2020 was a year of many unexpected challenges. Our city urgently came together to quickly and safely to address the accelerated deterioration of Pier 58. The completion of the Pier 58 removal brings Seattle, residents and visitors, one step closer to realizing our vision for a vibrant Waterfront,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan.
“We appreciate the hard work from our whole team and the patience of our waterfront neighbors while we removed the old pier and made way for a new pier park and playground in the future,” said Marshall Foster, Director of Seattle’s Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects.
The pier was removed from the water side by barge and crane.
The work included removal of approximately 48,000 square feet of pier deck and concrete structures, and approximately 340 timber and steel support piles.
A small number of support piles remain and will be removed when the new Pier 58 is built.
With removal of Pier 58 complete, the temporary construction fences have been removed and the adjacent pedestrian walkway is fully open Adjacent businesses are open and are welcoming visitors.
Waterfront Fountain, designed by sculptor James FitzGerald, and completed by his widow Margaret Tompkins in 1974, was located on the pier prior to the demolition.
The fountain is now undergoing restoration and will be re-installed as part of the new Pier 58 park design.
The new pier will have a playground for kids and families to enjoy and a new restroom and concierge space adjacent to the promenade will serve visitors and families.
Additional features of the new pier include elevated seating area to enjoy the scenic views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.
A lawn and flexible event space that can be used for activities such as concerts, outdoor movies and other events.
Design of Pier 58 rebuild will reach 90% design milestone this summer. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2022 and will take about 2 years to complete.
All images courtesy of Waterfront Seattle.