Council's choice for Naples Pier rebuild includes two

The Naples City Council chose a reconstruction design for the Naples Pier at their meeting on Wednesday.

Naples Parks and Recreation provided the councilmembers with two design options to choose from. The main difference between them is where the concessions are located.

In option one, the concessions would be offered over the water whereas in option two, concessions are located onshore.

The council decided to pursue option one with a 5-2 vote. Councilmembers Ted Blankenship and Beth Petrunoff voted against it.

The reconstruction design includes three covered areas along the length of the pier: one onshore, one in the center, and one at the end.

At the end of the pier is a two-level observation deck to accommodate fisherman as well as people looking to enjoy the view.

Concessions will be located at the center of the pier, over the water. The concessions area includes umbrella-covered seating and benches under a roof.

Trashcans, benches, and fish cleaning stations will be located along the pier.

Parks and Recreation Director Chad Merritt said the rebuild will cost around $20 million.

More:Naples City Council approves design contract for rebuild of Naples Pier

There isn't an exact timeline in place for the rebuild because of unprecedented delays that come up. Merritt said he's hoping the design is finalized by the fall and is out for bid by the end of the year.

"When you're talking construction, it's almost impossible to know for sure," Merritt said.

The earliest Merritt anticipates the pier being reopened to the public is toward the end of 2025, but he says there's no way to know for sure.

Merritt said now that the City Council voted on a design option, the design consultant will work on detailing the plans. He says the updated plans, which could include materials, details, and colors, will be back in front of City Council for review in late August or early September.