San Diego officials unveiled details of amenities they hope to include on a new Ocean Beach Pier on Saturday, amid ongoing efforts to reimagine the crumbling icon. The city announced in August that the 58-year-old pier, which has been shuttered for more than a year, would not reopen — repairing damage it received last winter after being battered by high surf would be too costly. Instead, the city will keep moving forward with efforts to reimagine the pier’s future in the longer term and, hopefully, replace it. “This has been a long journey, but I think for a project this size, it is deserved,” said Elif Cetin, the acting director of the city’s engineering and capital projects department. A plaza, extended walkway and bleachers would allow for unobstructed views of sunsets on the ocean. Improved and expanded fishing areas would include both cleaning and cutting stations. Rendering of amenities included in the final, preferred design concept for the Ocean Beach Pier renewal project. (Courtesy of the city of San Diego) These are some of the amenities city staff presented to about 100 people at Liberty Station at the fifth and final workshop in a series of community events to get input on a long-term solution. A 2018 study determined the aging structure was at the end of its service life. “We envision a place for the community to gather and celebrate the theater of the ocean,” said Rick España, principal at RNT Architects. It is the culmination of more than a year and a half of work on a renewal project, in which the city asked San Diegans to share stories of what the landmark means to them, what it’s missing and what sort of pier experiences are important. Officials on Saturday said a replacement is estimated to cost $170 million to $190 million, which includes demolition of the old pier. “We are committed to following through on these discussions, acquiring the necessary funding and permits and bringing this community-driven vision to life,” Cetin said. After the final, preferred design concept was presented in April, the design team made adjustments based on the public’s feedback. Rendering of amenities included in the final, preferred design concept for the Ocean Beach Pier renewal project. (Courtesy of the city of San Diego) The design both incorporates iconic elements of the existing pier and new amenities, city staff said. “We want to make this thing extremely durable, utilizing materials that not only can withstand the harsh coastal environments, but could be easy to maintain,” España explained to those in the audience. The new pier would be constructed over approximately the same footprint as the existing pier, but with a higher deck elevation to minimize the potential for wave damage and account for future sea level rise. Work would start from the base of the pier, where it connects with the land, and work toward the west. After city staff and engineering consultants shared updates on the project, attendees were invited to view renderings up close, including two 3D models of the new pier design. As the design team puts the final touches on the pier’s redesign, city staff said they are continuing to work on acquiring the required environmental permits. The city hopes to put out bids by late 2026 and begin construction by early 2028. A full timeline is available on the project’s website at OBPierRenewal.com. That timeline could change, as it is dependent upon acquiring permits and funding. Rendering of amenities included in the final, preferred design concept for the Ocean Beach Pier renewal project. (Courtesy of the city of San Diego) Most residents in attendance said they were eager to begin construction, however some expressed concerns over funding. The renewal project has been fully funded by an $8.4 million grant from the state thus far. City staff said they are already working to secure additional funding to continue the project, which will include other state and federal grants, as well as public-private partnership opportunities. Once environmental permitting and funding have been secured, demolition of the existing structure and construction of the new pier will take place. Although this was the final workshop for the renewal project, this will not be the last opportunity for the public to provide input, Cetin said. An environmental impact report will be available for review once it is completed. Additionally, city staff will be presenting the pier design to various community groups, including the Ocean Beach Community Planning Group, the Historical Resources Board and the City Council. Rendering of amenities included in the final, preferred design concept for the Ocean Beach Pier renewal project. (Courtesy of the city of San Diego)