The City’s Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects announced today that the removal of Pier 58, known as Waterfront Park, will begin within 1-2 weeks in response to recent movement and continued deterioration of the structure. Pier 58 removal is expected to be completed by early 2021.
The City has hired Orion Marine Contractors, Inc for $4.3 million to perform the emergency work; emergency work is exempt from competitive bidding under the State law (RCW 39.04.280). Orion Marine Contractors, Inc is a maritime contractor with a workforce based in their Tacoma, WA regional office. They are currently working on SDOT’s Fairview Ave N Bridge Replacement and with Port of Seattle on the Terminal 5 Modernization Project
The City has planned for years to remove the existing Pier 58 and replace it with a new public park pier including a playground, public plaza and landscaping. Replacing Pier 58 has been part of the City’s Waterfront Program since 2013. The Pier 58 project is fully funded, and construction was planned to begin in 2022. A portion of those funds will be used for pier removal.
The City’s structural engineer for the removal of the pier, Seattle Structural, inspected the deteriorating pier after Seattle Parks and Recreation closed it to the public on August 6, 2020. Their engineering assessment recommended that the entire pier be removed within 90 days.
“Working closely with Seattle Parks and Recreation, we’ve moved swiftly since this issue was identified earlier this month,” said Marshall Foster, Director of Seattle’s Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects. “Public safety is always our top priority. We’re committed to removing the deteriorated pier quickly, clearing the way for the new park to take shape.”
The City will be removing as much of the pier deck, piles and structures as necessary to ensure the site is safe. Removal of the pier will largely occur from the waterside, with barges positioned west of the structure. Because of the waterside access, impacts to nearby businesses and the public are expected to be limited. The work will include salvaging furniture, art and the existing fountain, removing concrete structures, timber decking and framing, and the extraction of piles supporting the structure. The Fitzgerald Fountain will be salvaged and reincorporated into the new Pier 58.
The City is working to quickly complete the necessary environmental permits and authorizations for the pier removal.
Design of the Pier 58 replacement is currently underway. The new pier will improve access, create an inviting space for families, provide open views to Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, and include a playground. It will also improve salmon habitat.