The St. Pete Pier
No Comments// Posted in Arts and Culture, DBA Members, Restaurants and Bars, Retail by Lisa on 07.28.09.
The world famous Million Dollar Pier lived up to its legacy when it opened in 1926. The Mediterranean-revival casino style building featured a central atrium, an open-air ballroom with terrazzo floors on the rooftop and an observation deck costing $998,279.18. The Pier remained popular in the years to come as a gathering place for card games, tourist meetings, community sings and fishing tournaments.
However, in late 1967, the 40-year-old, badly deteriorated building was demolished. A park was established temporarily while the present day pier was being constructed.
The inverted pyramid pier that stands today has become a landmark in itself. Owned by the City of St. Petersburg, The Pier opened its doors in January 1973. In 1988, an extensive remodeling was done to include the addition of retail shops on the first floor and the glass elevator on the front of the building. Today, it continues its legacy as a centerpiece of St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront with five stories of shopping, dining and adventure.
Visitors can find 16 specialty shops, galleries and boutiques, four sit-down waterfront restaurants, the Dockside Eatery food court, The Pier Aquarium, as well as a variety of outdoor water and land adventures to enjoy. The Pier still holds music events where people dance, has an observation deck for viewing the stars, and visitors still fish and feed the pelicans – just like in the early days of the Municipal Pier. The Pier is open 365 days a year, rain or shine, and holds activities annually.
The Pier is a landmark that, perhaps more than any public building, defines our city and reflects our heritage. The Pier has undergone many changes in form over the years, but it has always maintained its function as a downtown anchor, economic catalyst and amenity for local residents. The Pier is not just a downtown matter. It is a matter of importance to the whole city and to Pinellas County. We ARE St. Petersburg!
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