Seattle residents and visitors have a new pier on the way. The City has awarded the construction contract for the new Pier 58, next to the Great Wheel along the waterfront, to begin this fall. The City sent out a release stating that the new pier design was done with families and young children in mind. It will include an event space and playground.
Last week, the city announced that it awarded Pacific Pile & Marine, LP a $34.5 million contract to build Pier 58 as part of the city’s Waterfront Seattle Program. The new pier is expected to take two years to complete. The contract also includes the removal of Pier 63. The former Pier 58, also known as Waterfront Park, was removed in 2020-21.
The City stated that the new pier includes a marine habitat-sensitive design and will include an iconic playground. The playground will be for all ages and abilities. It features an 18-foot jellyfish with four-levels, inspired climbing structure, a slide with rolling tentacles, swinging features, wobble boards and a variety of climbing elements.
The final pier design elements include a shaded tree grove and elevated lawn, a plaza and event space that can be used for concerts, outdoor movies and other pop-up events. The Fitzgerald Fountain will also be restored and integrated into the new pier. A new all-gender restroom and concierge space is also being built on the promenade across from the pier.
Pier 58 will be managed by partnership between the Seattle Parks Department and Friends of Waterfront Seattle. Pacific Pile & Marine LP was also the contractor for Pier 62. The removal of the former Pier 58, also known as Waterfront Park, was completed in April 2021 after significant deterioration was found, which led to its collapse in September 2020.
