Since its earliest days as a growing fishing village on Florida's west coast in the late 1800s, a pier has been the centerpiece of St. Petersburg's downtown waterfront. Today, St. Petersburg has released a Request for Qualifications to the architectural and engineering community for design of a new or renovated pier structure.
Submission of the statement of qualifications is due on Sept. 5. A selection committee will shortlist the most qualified design teams, who are then invited to the second phase of the process.
During stage two, the shortlisted design teams will each receive a $30,000 stipend to submit an initial design concept, complete with reports, renderings, cost estimates and a description of how the programmatic elements meet the findings of the Pier Working Group (a 21-member volunteer citizen committee appointed by Mayor Rick Kriseman).
It is expected that a final plan will be approved and contract negotiations will begin with the accepted team early next year.
Design teams interested in obtaining information on the city's request for qualifications should visit the Pier website. The website also provides volumes of background information and public input generated during a multi-year community process that preceded the current process.
St. Petersburg, Florida's fifth largest city with more than 250,000 residents, has been called one of the south's best downtowns, and has been ranked the No. 1 arts destination for cities of its size for three years in a row. This year, the New York Times listed the Sunshine City as one of 52 "must visit" places worldwide in 2014, trumpeting the city's cultural climate, arts scene, and pedestrian-friendly downtown.
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Apr 23, 2015
Size matters in NYC, where several projects vie for the city’s tallest building honor
The latest renderings of 217 West 57th Street show a tower that would rise higher than the World Trade Center’s pinnacle, when elevations are included.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 22, 2015
Condo developers covet churches for conversions
Former churches, many of which are sitting on prime urban real estate, are being converted into libraries, restaurants, and with greater frequency condominiums.
High-rise Construction | Apr 22, 2015
Architects propose sustainable ‘vertical city’ in the Sahara
Designers aim to make the 1,476-foot tower sustainable, relying on rainwater collection, solar power, and geothermal energy.
Architects | Apr 22, 2015
Architecture Billings Index accelerates in March
For the second consecutive month, the Architecture Billings Index indicated a modest increase in design activity in March.
Green | Apr 22, 2015
AIA Committee on the Environment recognizes Top 10 Green Projects
Seattle's Bullitt Center and the University Center at The New School are among AIA's top 10 green buildings for 2015.
Museums | Apr 22, 2015
Check out Ralph Johnson's stunning nature-inspired Shanghai museum
The newly opened Shanghai Natural History Museum, designed by Perkins+Will’s Global Design Director Ralph Johnson, mimics the shape of a nautilus shell, and features natural elements throughout.
Green | Apr 22, 2015
GSA's Federal Center South Building honored with AIA Top Ten Plus Award for 'verified' sustainable performance
The annual award recognizes green building projects that have quantifiable metrics demonstrating the performance and positive impact of the sustainable design.
Architects | Apr 21, 2015
Megatrends shaping commercial building design
Gensler’s 2015 Design Forecast focuses on how changes in demographics, workplace preferences, and technology are affecting how and why structures get built.
Office Buildings | Apr 21, 2015
Stop the endless debate over open vs. closed work environments
Rather than be confused by the constant stream of opinions, leadership teams contemplating workplace investments should start with powerful employee engagement strategies that drive results.
BIM and Information Technology | Apr 21, 2015
Software tools shouldn't dictate the AEC process
With over 200 solutions on the market, construction software is one of the most complex and fragmented markets, writes Gensler's Mark Thole.