The New St.Petersburg Pier, Rogers Partners, ASD and Ken Smith Landscape Architect, St. Petersburg, Florida. Rogers Partners Architects & Urban Designers, in partnership with ASD and Ken Smith Landscape Architect, have been chosen as the team to redesign the iconic pier of St. Petersburg, Florida. Each town has its famous landmarks, and the pier is certainly a central element of St. Petersburg. Throughout its history, it has been known as the Railroad Pier, Electric Pier, Municipal Pier, Million-Dollar Pier, and simply The Pier. The pier, which is so essential to the identity of the city, is going to benefit from a redesign process that bears the trademark signature of a talented team.
Masterplan New St.Petersburg Pier. Image courtesy of Rogers Partners
The New St.Petersburg Pier
What is the Vision Behind the Project? In choosing the elements of the new St. Petersburg Pier, the creative minds behind the project wanted to create a place full of vitality, serving the needs of both tourists and local residents. The idea was to maintain the pier as an iconic element of the city while turning St. Petersburg’s downtown area into an oasis of relaxation. The project is meant to connect the pier with the rest of the city, especially in relation to the transportation and recreation systems. The team has included bike paths and jogging trails that can be used by tourists and residents alike. Apart from that, the redesigned pier will provide access to new transportation options, such as the Looper Trolley or the potential high-speed ferry.
New St.Petersburg Pier. Image courtesy of Rogers Partners
Perhaps one of the most interesting changes that have been proposed in the redesign project relates to the introduction of smaller and flexible programs on the platform of the pier. These programs would be used by tourists, but also by those from the local community, guaranteeing a multitude of experiences regardless of age, occupation, or personal preferences. On the newly redesigned pier, one can enjoy nature to the fullest, connect to the water elements through boating or fishing, or take delight in a fine dining experience.
New St.Petersburg Pier. Image courtesy of Rogers Partners
The amenities chosen for the Pier Park are modern, and they are meant to transform this part of the city into a hub of activity. Children can enjoy the interactive water play area, while adults can benefit from the expanded spa beach, to which changing rooms, restrooms, and a beach playground have been added. The environmental center is also an interesting element to discover, providing both an outdoor and indoor experience to enjoy. Apart from the flexible programs, one will also have the opportunity to use the floating docks to gain access to the water. Activities such as boating, fishing, or swimming are promoted by the newly chosen elements for the pier project.
New St.Petersburg Pier. Image courtesy of Rogers Partners
It is interesting to notice how the pier redesign has concentrated on the public experience rather than on the actual architectural intervention. Having in mind concepts such as “shade” and “comfort”, the newly redesigned pier is going to appear as a space that can adapt to new venues with the passing of time. In this way, the existing space is going to be used to its maximum potential.
What can you do there? The programs that have been chosen for the pier include a bar and grill, a welcome center, a tilted lawn, wet classrooms, and an education center.
The tilted lawn is of particular interest, as it can host live concerts for up to 4,000 people, while the several gardens provide plenty of fresh air. To all that, one can add the network of durable floating docks, which provide easy access to the water and encourage water-related activities, such as swimming, fishing, or boating.
Related Articles:
New St.Petersburg Pier. Image courtesy of Rogers Partners
New St.Petersburg Pier. Image courtesy of Rogers Partners
The new plan for the pier has allowed for the elevator shafts and the caissons of the original building to be kept. In this way, the inverted pyramid of the pier is going to be transformed into a four-story building, with a beautiful fabric roof. Inside the building, you will find spaces designed for various events. At each floor, a promenade of splash pads is going to be present. The natural, thick vegetation will provide the desired shade and cover during hot summer days.
New St.Petersburg Pier. Image courtesy of Rogers Partners
In conclusion, the Pier Park is desired to be a place that everyone can enjoy. It is meant to redesign the St. Petersburg Pier as the essential icon of the city, filled with vitality and characterized by functionality at the same time. The project comes with a long-term vision plan, which will be undertaken in the second phase. The basic idea is to extend across the uplands, as far as the Beach Driver, with new waterfront amenities.
Taking a look at the proposed vision for the Pier Park, an important question arises: How many forgotten iconic landmarks wait patiently for their redesign in different parts of the world? Can you name at least three? 
New St.Petersburg Pier. Image courtesy of Rogers Partners
Full Project Credits for The New St.Petersburg Pier
Project Name: New St.Petersburg Pier Location: St. Petersburg, Florida Status: In progress Architecture: Rogers Partners and ASD Landscape Architect: Ken Smith Budget: $46 million
Recommended Reading:
Article by Alexandra Antipa
Return to Homepage
Published in Blog
