Here's why Corpus Christi city officials want to replace the aging Cole Park Pier

Cole Park Pier has been closed to the public for almost two years for safety reasons. 

And it won't be replaced for at least another 1 1/2 years.

The nearly 50-year-old, 500-foot-long pier continues to deteriorate. In spring 2019, the concrete panels that connect the pier to the shoreline collapsed into the bay. 

Demolition is slated to begin sometime this year, although when exactly is unknown at this time, City Manager Peter Zanoni said. 

But plans are still moving forward. 

City Council will consider awarding a design contract to an engineering firm to demolish the pier and to design and construct a new one during its regular meeting on Feb. 11. 

"It's an iconic structure in our city. It means a lot to a lot of people," said Ben Molina, Dist. 2 City Council member. "There is not one person that you can talk to that doesn’t have a fond memory of being on the pier."

Molina is spearheading the effort to replace the pier, which is in his district.

Designing a new pier

City staff members will announce on Monday the firm they're recommending. Seven firms submitted proposals to do the work, and four were interviewed. 

The design will take six months to a year, and construction of the new pier will take about another year, Zanoni said. It could be finished as early as June 2021.

The city will need to obtain permits from the Texas General Land Office and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before construction can begin. The GLO owns submerged land where the pier is. 

The new pier will be at least 500 feet long, like the current one, if not longer, he said. The city also wants to add better amenities to the new one, such as more shade, fish cleaning stations, benches and lighting. 

Molina wants to ensure the public is involved in coming up with the design, he said. 

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 towards demolishing and constructing the pier.

The city is still working to identify funds for 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.

"We're committed to finding funds, and we'll make it a priority. We don’t have the funds right now," Zanoni said. "I'm confident we'll be able to come through with the money for the construction."

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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