After more than five decades, the iconic Ocean Beach Pier is being reimagined. On Saturday, the city of San Diego unveiled three preliminary design concepts for the public to weigh in on.
A 2018 study determined the landmark had “reached the end of its service life” and gave the city three options: repair the now 57-year-old pier, rehabilitate it or replace it. The design presentation at Liberty Station marked the third workshop in a series of community events to get the public’s input on a long-term solution for the structure.
Officials also presented three ways the pier could connect with land. Roughly 180 people attended the workshop where they had the opportunity to speak with project designers, view the renderings and place stickers next to their preferred design elements.
Visitors on Saturday weighed the options. Some chatted about how they liked the amount of seating offered in one design but the shade offered in another. One attendee expressed excitement for the upgrades while also stressing that fishing options should remain as flexible and accessible as they are now.
Ocean Beach resident Daniel Gussman hits the beach every day to surf and enjoy the pier with his wife and two daughters. He said he’s excited about the investment in the community, and certain elements — like more transparent railings so small kids can see the ocean — sound intriguing.
“It’s really hard to weigh one most important thing — anything different than today is like exciting to me,” he said.
In addition to the recreational amenities incorporated into each concept, the complete reconstruction of the pier will for rising sea levels.
The trio of designs were meant to be a jumping off point for San Diegans to offer on the elements they want to see in the new pier. The plans presented at the workshop were the product of months of community , said Elif Cetin, the city’s strategic capital projects assistant director.
“At the end, we are deg and creating this project for the Ocean Beach community and the whole of San Diego,” she said. “The best way to do that is to hear from them.”
For instance, a survey of more than 500 people showed that the top retail and dining feature people want on the pier is the historic Walking on Water Cafe. As for amenities, the top three things respondents said would enhance their pier experience included upgraded restrooms, accent lighting and fishing spaces.
San Diegans can also share their opinions through an online survey that will be open until Oct. 9. The next public meeting and presentation of a preferred design concept is expected to take place early next year.
The current planning and engineering phase of the project is backed by $8.4 million of state funding. The estimated total cost of the project will be determined after a design is chosen. The city plans on pursuing state and federal money for the project.
Here are the three preliminary designs for the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal project:
The Squint Test
UntitledThe Squint Test design closely resembles the current structure of the Ocean Beach Pier, but it’s about 8 to 10 feet wider. The plan also includes a fishing deck around the pier’s cafe, and a new building with upgraded restrooms could provide more retail or community space.
Scott Jordan, one of the project’s lead designers with the firm Civitas, explained during Saturday’s presentation that this concept leans into the current, everyday uses of the pier. He added that the designers were intentional about making the pier accessible and preserving the long-shot ocean views the structure is known for.
The Remora
UntitledThe Remora design builds on the original Ocean Beach Pier by adding elements that lean into viewing and experiencing the ocean. Part of the inspiration comes from the symbiotic relationship between the Remora fish and the sharks that they attach themselves to.
This design features a surfer’s lounge area and fishing amenities. There would also be a dedicated area accessible via a gate for Junior Lifeguards participating in the traditional OB Pier Jump. Currently, kids have to climb over a railing before taking the plunge. That’s in addition to an expanded deck for outdoor dining at the Walking on Water Cafe and an expanded plaza with a small retail pavilion.
The Braid
UntitledThe Braid concept — described by designers as the most “bold” — offers a pier structure that’s distinct from any other in Southern California, including the Ocean Beach Pier’s current design. While it maintains the long, linear experience of the current landmark, it diverges into different levels of interconnected pathways.
This option emphasizes ocean views at different elevations and has two curvy arms that extend the pier farther into the ocean. This design would offer upgraded bathrooms, potential retail, dining and community spaces, as well as lower-level fishing areas.
