Pismo Pier, Promenade, and Plaza Improvements

In 2010, the City of Pismo Beach implemented a multi-phased project to revitalize their waterfront by updating the historic Pismo Pier, expanding the surrounding promenade, and adding the Pismo Beach Plaza. Cannon was selected to provide each aspect of construction management, including construction engineering, construction inspection, materials testing, office engineering services, and funding administration for the project.

The Pismo Pier was originally built in 1924. In 1983, storms washed out a portion of the pier, some of which was rebuilt; however, much was left untouched. In 2010, the Pismo Pier received a major facelift that included an elevated boardwalk expansion north of the existing pier to allow pedestrian access from 1st Street. In addition, an existing stairwell was repaired. This repair required installation of helical piles integrated into the new section of the seawall footing and relocating construction of a new staircase and stainless-steel railing from the boardwalk to the beach below.

Following a structural evaluation in 2015, the City moved forward with the next phase of improvements. The next phase included improving the pier’s construction to mitigate potential damages from future storms that could render it unsafe for use. The project involved complete replacement of the existing pier, including 183 new steel piles, new timber caps, stringers, decking, guard-railing, firewater, sewer, and a domestic waterline.

During the final renovation phase, the City upgraded and re-built the pedestrian plaza and parking lot at the base of the pier. The upgrades included decorative lighting along the existing seawall; cast-in-place concrete seating with decorative form work and tile inlays; showers and surrounding concrete; and permeable pavers. Storm drain, sewer, and water system improvements were installed, including an underground storm water detention, storage, and infiltration system. The project also added restrooms; a playground; and stairs, an ADA ramp, and slides that access the beach.