Naples, FL – Mark your calendars, Naples residents and beach lovers: the Naples Pier is finally getting rebuilt, and the city is inviting everyone to celebrate the start of construction. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Naples Pier Rebuild Project will take place Monday, January 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the pier (accessible via the 12th Avenue South beach access). This event will honor the many partners, stakeholders and community members who’ve pushed for the pier’s restoration. Mayor Teresa Heitmann, City Manager Gary Young, and other dignitaries are slated to give remarks and officially kick off the rebuild of this historic landmark. (If you plan to attend, note that the pier’s parking lot at 12th Ave S and Gulf Shore Blvd S will be closed from 7:00–11:30 a.m. to accommodate the event.)
Why this matters: The Naples Pier isn’t just any boardwalk – it’s an iconic landmark, originally built in 1888, that has served as the heart of Naples’ beachfront for well over a century. Locals and tourists alike cherish the pier for fishing, sunset strolling, and community gatherings (over a million visitors enjoy it each year). Sadly, Hurricane Ian in September 2022 dealt a devastating blow to the pier, destroying roughly half its length and all its amenities in one night. Over 30 pilings collapsed and the final 140-foot section fell into the Gulf, while the middle concession and restroom area was completely gutted by storm surge. In the aftermath, city engineers determined that the entire structure had to be replaced for safety – a huge undertaking for the city.
Now, after three years of planning, permitting, and funding efforts, Naples is ready to rebuild its beloved pier. The journey hasn’t been quick: the city had to secure multiple federal and state approvals (from the Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, and others) and design a new pier that balances modern resiliency with the pier’s classic charm. By late 2025, the pieces finally came together – the final permits were approved in October 2025 and FEMA obligated funding in December – clearing the way for construction to begin. The project’s contract was awarded to a marine construction firm for $23.5 million, with an expected build time of about 18 months once work commences. That means if all goes well, Naples could be enjoying a brand-new pier by mid-2027!
What to expect from the new pier: The rebuilt Naples Pier will look familiar yet improved. Designers from Turrell Hall & Associates and MHK Architecture have created a “new and improved” pier concept that honors the old pier’s look but adds crucial resilience. The new pier will be elevated about 3 feet higher than the old one, with sturdier materials (larger pilings with protective jackets, reinforced decking) to better withstand storms. The layout will still feature a roomy T-shaped end for fishing and gathering, along with middle pavilions for shade and a concession area – all built to modern codes. Importantly, engineers reduced the number of pilings and tweaked the design to minimize impacts on the shoreline and marine environment. In short, Naples is aiming for a pier that lasts longer and weathers future hurricanes better, all while keeping that famous Naples Pier charm.
For the community, the groundbreaking ceremony on January 5th is more than just a photo-op – it’s a symbol of recovery and hope. The pier has been closed (beyond a small section) since Ian hit, and many residents have been eagerly awaiting its return. The rebuild project brought together city leaders, engineers, state and federal agencies (with significant FEMA funding), and of course passionate locals who advocated for “bringing back our pier.” As the first shovels hit the ground, Naples will be celebrating not just a construction start, but the resilience of a community that’s determined to restore a piece of its soul. If you’re in town, feel free to join the festivities on Jan 5th – it’s a chance to witness a bit of Naples history in the making.
Sources: City of Naples announcement; City Pier Rebuild Project update; City of Naples Pier history