'The Pier Park' Wins in St. Petersburg

Their scheme, "The Pier Park," reconfigures the existing pier head and its approach to incorporate observation areas, an "Overlook Bar & Grill," bike and jogging paths, a tram, fishing docks, classrooms, and event spaces. While their proposal keeps the core of the inverted pyramid, which has occupied the pier head since 1973, and wraps it in a new asymmetrical shell, the team asserts the pier will become "a hub for activity, not only at the pier overlook, but all along its length."

The inverted pyramid was closed in 2013 in anticipation of a replacement pier designed by California-based architect Michael Maltzan. His competition-winning design, "The Lens," was shelved after a group called "Stop the Lens" successfully created an election ballet to cancel the scheme. Shortly after St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman took office in early 2014, he reintroduced the idea of transforming the pier, establishing the Pier Working Group to hold a two-stage competition with lessons learned from the previous failed one. Eight teams were shortlisted at the end of last year, with three teams determined as finalists by the Pier Selection Committee. The team of Rogers Partners, ASD and Ken Smith bested teams led by Alfonso Architects and the St. Pete Design Group.

Next, the Pier Park schemes moves to the City Council for approval.