Look out, St. Petersburg! The three design firms chosen by the city as finalists in the $50 million Pier Design Competition have released their concepts for the highly anticipated landmark upgrade. The designs go on display to the public at the St. Petersburg Museum of History December 6-30 in the "Look, Think, Share" exhibit (admission free). The designers officially present their concepts to the jury panel December 15-16. (Look for interviews with the designers in CL in the coming week.) The final decision won't be made until February 2.
St. Pete City Council doesn't seem likely to call a public referendum on the project, but they are asking for public input via voting — which is kind of the same thing? Except without any actual power to change or choose?
In any case, people are making themselves heard, and how. Follow the links to see what the architects came up with, and leave a comment about your favorites (or tell us why you hate 'em all).
Michael Maltzan Architecture: The Lens: "…a new icon for the City of St. Petersburg, reframing the relationship between the City and the Bay."
West 8 Urban Design and Landscape Architecture: The People's Pier/St. Pete's Eye: "One pier, multiple experiences."
BIG Designs: The Wave: "…a network of paths form a tributary of public life that gradually flows together…"
This article appears in Dec 1-7, 2011.