Take a look at the new design for Corpus Christi's Cole Park Pier
Kathryn CargoThe city of Corpus Christi has developed a design for the dilapidated Cole Park Pier that will be demolished and replaced.
Construction of the new pier will take about a year, City Manager Peter Zanoni said. The project should be finished by next summer.
The design has several new features including the following:
- a wider walkway for fishing and visitor access
- an observation area with seating
- a large plaza for recreational use and events
- more parking on the southern end of the park
- two new walkways to connect the two parking lots and plaza
- electrical improvements for more lighting
- at least 500 feet long like the current pier
Since the 1930s, Cole Park Pier has been a popular destination for Corpus Christi residents and visitors.
"We are pleased with the initial design concept from our consultant Jacobs Engineering. We feel the additional width and amenities ... are consistent with the community's desires," Zanoni said.
"This next step of public involvement is important to us in developing the final pier design."
The city is gathering public input on the pier's design until June 14. The rendering was designed with help from citizen survey results.
The nearly 50-year-old, 500-foot-long pier has been closed for about two years for safety reasons.
It was severely damaged by Hurricane Harvey, which struck the Texas coast in August 2017. In spring 2019, the concrete panels that connect the pier to the shoreline collapsed into the bay.
In February, City Council hired Jacobs Engineering Group, a Dallas-based firm, to demolish the pier and design the new one.
The pier is in Dist. 2, which is represented by City Councilman Ben Molina. He has spearheaded the effort to replace the pier.
How much will it cost?
An engineering study to assess the pier's structure was done in 2019. According to the study, a majority of the pier's structural integrity has been lost to corrosion.
The study determined that even if the pier was repaired, it would need to be worked on again after 10 years.
It would cost less to demolish and replace the pier than to fix it, Zanoni said. Repairing the pier would cost $7.1 million, compared with $4.1 million to demolish and replace it.
About $1 million from a bond in 2018 will go toward demolishing and constructing the pier.
The city is still working to identify funds to cover the other $3 million.
It could be funded through a potential 2020 bond, the community enrichment fund or a naming rights process for the pier.
To provide input
Visit the city's website.
Kathryn Cargo follows business openings and developments while reporting on impacts of the city government’s decisions.See our subscription options and special offers at Caller.com/subscribe
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