Malibu’s Pier, already approaching its spring 2003 restoration finish line that will bring back its original 1945 condition, is slated to enter the final stage in Phase III.
Dennis J. Amoroso Construction Company, from Anaheim, Calif. has been selected to complete the final phase for $2.4 million, said Hayden Sohm, Malibu Sector superintendent of the State Department of Parks and Recreation.
All that remains before the final nails can be hammered is to get the Coastal Commission to find space on its packed July agenda to hear the application. Also, before the pier can be finalized, the state’s sewage plant must be certified by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. The total cost of restoration of the pier is $5.5 million funded collectively by the state of California, the City of Malibu and Los Angeles County.
The pier’s refurbishment began back in October 1999, when Phase I set out to stabilize the structural elements. However, the falling out between contractors Bruce Darian and Rick Federico was the catalyst for premature delays and confusion, stalling the project.
Two-thirds of the structural repairs have been completed, said Sohm. Such repairs included replacing 50 percent of the piles, changing the pier decking completely and putting in new rails. The pier underwent a great deal of specific additions as well, such as more diagonal bracing underneath and on the side of the pier and a nailing schedule utilizing spikes which were increased in size and doubled-up, making the pier more solid. Wooden cross braces were used to tie the pilings together and metal rods that attached diagonally to the pier all made it more structurally sound.
In May 2001, the pier’s sturdiness was demonstrated when L.A. County Lifeguard Capt. Bill Robinson stood on the pier during a 10-foot-plus swell at Surfrider Beach. Given the beating the pier was taking, Sohm recalls how Robinson wanted “to close the pier down” at first. However, Robinson changed his mind when he stood on it and remarked how really stable it was.
Meeks Construction completed work in Phase II. The bulk of the work in this phase focused on updating more than 75 percent of the pilings.
Sohm also spoke about protecting the ocean from the toxicity of the pilings. “In order to secure the pilings, they were kevlar-wrapped with epoxy and fiber glass,” said Sohm. “This coating was required by the core of engineers.”
Next on the remodeling outline was Phase II A. Heavy concentration on the buildings and components of the pier moved forward. The buildings were “hacked-up,” structural work on the building located on the nose of the pier was achieved and a boat landing with stairs was replaced. Heavy electrical work was also completed as well as the installation of a fully functional sewer treatment plant.
Up next is Phase III, to be completed with $2.9 million from Los Angeles County. This phase of work will focus on the buildings, both externally and internally.
“The buildings will be completely remodeled and restored,” said Sohm.
There will be the addition of an elevator and other “miscellaneous accessibility improvements.” Two public restrooms will also be added.
Although the majority of focus is on the pier itself, Sohm said, “The biggest concern is parking. With the parking lot lay-out we provided, we show 81 spots. They have agreed to let us occupy all of the buildings but only 700 square feet of outdoor space,” which may not be enough space for the parking lot lay-out.
Additionally, there may be complications with sport fishing and pier usage. “They will not allow any sport fishing with the current parking availability. They have said that we can apply for an amendment if we can increase the number of parking spaces or provide other alternatives. For each additional space they will allow 50 square feet of additional outdoor dining or three passengers on a fishing boat.”
Sohm attests that he and his staff plan to apply for an amendment with a layout for at least 10 additional spaces. By doing so, this should allow the pier to operate with a 30-passenger fishing vessel.
Sohm and his company of fixer-uppers should be able to complete the Pier’s transformation by next spring. But Sohm is concerned that the application that must be heard in front of the Coastal Commission is not guaranteed to make the July agenda.
“No assurances have been given to ensure this will happen,” said Sohm. But he is optimistic. “The staff report recommends that the project move forward. We have been given preliminary conditions for the permit.”
If all goes as planned, the pier will be able to steady the rumbling swells and serve as an indelible landmark for years to come, thanks to a Pass-Go nod from the Coastal Commission and the artillery of a few nails and rods.