HUNTINGTON BEACH PIER CHRONOLOGY

1904--A 1,300-foot-long wooden pier is built.

1913--Construction begins on new concrete pier, 1,330 feet long. Cost, $72,000.

1914--Pier is completed.

1930--Pier is lengthened by 500 feet with cafe at the end.

1939--Hurricane destroys end of pier and cafe.

1940--Rebuilt pier and restaurant open.

1941--Navy takes over pier for submarine watch during World War II.

November, 1979--A report to city details structural deterioration of pier; recommends refurbishing pier (at cost of $5.4 million) or complete rebuilding (at cost of $7 million).

December, 1979--City Council authorizes a pier rebuilding project but asks staff to seek state and federal funding sources. Plan does not progress.

March, 1983--Violent storm rips out 30 pilings and 500 square feet of deck and substructure. The End Cafe and a bait shack teetering at end of pier are demolished to prevent further damage. Estimated repair costs: $500,000.

September, 1983--Rebuilding of pier begins. Cost estimates rise to $781,000: about $500,000 from insurance, $200,000 from the county, $75,000 from city’s contingency fund and $1,500 from local fund-raisers.

September, 1985--Pier reopens with city-sponsored festival. Final costs include $900,000 to repair pier, $400,000 to repair and expand the End Cafe.

February, 1986--Pier closed for two days during heavy surf that damages structural and fender pilings. City Council votes $25,000 for repairs.

January 17-18, 1988--About 250 feet of the pier’s end is ripped off during two days of stormy seas. The End Cafe is destroyed again. Damage is estimated at almost $5 million.

July 12, 1988--City officials close the pier indefinitely after a study determined it was structurally unsound.

Source: Los Angeles Times library; Huntington Beach Historical Society.