Seattle's Pier 57 to reopen, advancing city's waterfront project

SEATTLE - A Seattle pier has received approval to reopen to the public after it was closed for months when a chunk of a nearby pier fell off into the water, clearing the way for the city to proceed with its downtown waterfront project, officials said.

Miner’s Landing at Pier 57 was closed in September when the deteriorating Waterfront Park or Pier 58 collapsed, injuring two demolition workers.

Pier 57 owner Hal Griffith announced plans for a grand reopening. A date has not yet been determined.

“We are excited to welcome everyone back to Pier 57,” Griffith said. “We are bringing back staff, re-stocking our restaurants and planning for a fun and safe grand re-opening with more announcements to come.”

The city’s Department of Construction and Inspections and the office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects said in a joint statement Monday that city officials have been working to remove parts of Pier 58 since the closure.

Crews are still working on concrete demolition, pile removal and material salvaging, but about 90% of Pier 58 has been removed, officials said.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan said the city can now “take a major step forward in the emergency removal of the pier and the revitalization of our waterfront.”

City officials expect the redesign of Pier 58 to be finalized next year, and offer space for a new playground, and improve access, safety and flexibility. Construction is expected to begin in 2022 and take about two years.