SAN DIEGO — The city has revealed its latest plans to replace the Ocean Beach pier. This comes after more than a year and a half of community input.
The new pier will be about as long as the current pier, but it will come with new additions. Designers say there will be a designated area for fishing, a surfer's lounge and a restaurant.
The OB Pier is a San Diego landmark. It was forced to close last year because of damage from high surf and storms.
"We were just talking yesterday about how OB doesn't feel like OB with the pier closed. We're excited for it to be open again," said Nicole, who lives in Hillcrest.
"It's an iconic spot. I moved here a couple years ago, but I remember even before that, when I visited my friend who grew up here said this is somewhere we have to go," said Joe, who surfs in OB.
This weekend the city revealed the updated design plan. There's an area called "The Island" complete with a Bait & Gift Shop, Café, restrooms and restaurant. The design calls for bleachers for people to sit and watch the sunsets and a fishing area with cleaning and cutting stations. These plans come after more than 18 months of community workshops and events where people shared their input and ideas.
"I saw the output of them and was impressed by the ideas. It's at the end of its life," said Dan, who visits OB often.
The pier is now 58 years old. A 2018 study by an engineering consulting firm found it was reaching its service life and needed to be replaced.
"I think they should find some way to appreciate the history of the original one. I think this is still the longest concrete pier on the West Coast," Joe said.
The new pier will be built over the same footprint. It will have a taller deck to help prevent damage from the waves. The city says demolition and replacement is estimated to cost $170 to $190 million. The city has secured an $8.4 million grant so far. They'll be working to get additional state and federal grants, as well as public-private partnerships.
Next, the city will work to get environmental permits. The city hopes to put out bids by late 2026 and begin construction by early 2028.