San Diego City Council unanimously voted March 17 to finish a $1.2 million restoration project of the City-owned portion of Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach. The pier, constructed in the 1920s, is in need of immediate structural repair prior to the beginning of summer.
“Pacific Beach’s Crystal Pier is an iconic landmark and popular vacation destination,” said Councilmember Lorie Zapf, whose District 2 covers Pacific Beach. “With today’s action, the City is investing in structural improvements to not only enhance the safety of the pier but to allow the pier to be enjoyed by millions of visitors and locals for years to come.”
Crystal Pier is owned by the City of San Diego and the Crystal Pier Hotel. The councilmanic action authorized the final $750,000 to repair or replace damaged or deteriorating portions of the pier, including timber piles, pile caps, joists and bracing on the City-owned sections of the pier. The hotel will be funding repairs and construction for its portion of the pier. The restoration project will use “in-kind” replacement materials to preserve the aesthetics of the pier.
The project is expected to be completed before Memorial Day and may include the temporary removal and off-site storage of cottages as well as underwater work to replace existing deteriorated piles to the point they are structurally sound for repair.