Contractor Hired to Strengthen Pier

Ventura’s surf-struck pier will be strengthened at a cost of $500,000, about $100,000 less than initial estimates.

The City Council approved the hiring of Santa Barbara’s Cushman Contracting Corp. on Monday night to conduct the reinforcement work, beginning in mid-August at a cost of $503,621.

“We will have that work done before the winter storm season,” Councilman Ray Di Guilio said.

The second phase of the project--lengthening the pier as much as financially possible to its original 1,958-foot length--will occur next year.

The city has about $2.4 million in insurance money and state grants to pay for both phases. Completely restoring the pier is estimated would cost $3.3 million. More money is being sought to make up the difference, officials said.

A 425-foot section of the pier was washed away by 18-foot waves in December 1995. The storm destroyed not only the end of the structure, but its reputation as the state’s longest wooden pier. That distinction will be lost for good because Cushman, which worked on the pier’s restoration in 1992, will reinforce the existing structure with steel supports in addition to replacing 22 damaged timber piles.

Portions of the pier will be closed during the four-month project, but the popular pier restaurant will remain open.

In a related matter, the council Monday delayed making a decision on what should be done with the California Street beachfront parking structure. Some officials have wanted to remake what has been called the city’s ugliest building in one of Ventura’s most beautiful locations by building a convention center or restaurant on the top story.

However, officials believe a marketing study is probably needed as a preliminary step and the council wants to consult with the board of the Ventura Visitors & Convention Center before making a decision. The board has not yet studied the issue.