The Dan Russell Pier in Panama City Beach had been damaged in several storms – Opal (1994), Ivan (2004) and Dennis (2005). FEMA decided that the repetitive loss costs were at the point that repairs were not appropriate and it was time to rebuild a new, modern pier with mitigation built in from day one.
BDI’s Survey and Design team worked closely together with the City to meet a tight schedule. The pier is 1,500 feet long, 26 feet off the water, and 17 feet wide. It incorporates blowout panels to lessen the loading on the structure during heavy storms, as well as numerous other innovations. The new pier is the focal point of the adjacent Pier Park, a Simon Properties seaside shopping and entertainment venture.