First Look at the New Naples Pier Coming in 2027

The City of Naples, Florida, is advancing the reconstruction of its iconic pier, integrating environmental repurposing of old materials as part of a broader effort to rebuild the landmark after severe storm damage. The project is currently on a trajectory to reopen to the public by July 2027.

On April 24, 2026, the city deployed 59 pilings from the demolished pier to the Wassmer reef, located 10 miles in the Gulf of Mexico off Gordon Pass. This initiative allows materials from the previous structure to be reborn as part of the local marine ecosystem.

Project Timeline and Funding

The drive to rebuild follows the impact of Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022, which caused significant damage to the structure. The pier remained closed for several years following the storm, with the majority of the site remaining fenced off as of July 9, 2025.

The City of Naples officially celebrated the start of the reconstruction process on January 5, 2026, during a groundbreaking ceremony attended by hundreds of residents. According to reporting from Florida Weekly, the total cost of the project is estimated to be at least $23.5 million, with the landmark securing partial funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The reconstruction process is divided into two primary phases. The initial phase involves the demolition and removal of the remaining old structure, a process expected to take between four and six months. Following the clearance, the construction of the new pier is expected to take approximately 18 months.

Design and Structural Resiliency

The new pier is being redesigned by the Naples-based firm MHK Architecture, with engineering provided by Turrell, Hall & Associates and construction handled by Shoreline Foundation, Inc. The design focuses on modern insights and practices to meet current federal, state, and local standards for design and resiliency.

While the new pier will maintain the same length as the original, several technical upgrades have been implemented to protect the structure from future storm surges and rough seas. The new pilings will have diameters of 18 inches, an increase from the 14-inch diameters used in the previous version. These pilings will be positioned approximately three feet higher than the previous ones.

Beyond structural reinforcement, the redesign includes new areas on the sides of the pier to increase the total surface area available for recreation.

We painstakingly derived timeless detailing into the structure that will be a part of our community for generations to come.

Matthew Kragh, president of MHK Architecture

Historical Significance

The Naples Pier was first constructed in 1888, serving as a central landmark for the community and a major draw for visitors for over a century. Its closure following the 2022 hurricane marked a significant gap in the city’s waterfront access.

The current efforts to restore the pier reflect a balance between maintaining the historical character of the 19th-century landmark and implementing 21st-century engineering to withstand the increasing volatility of Gulf Coast weather patterns.