Tour the new Jackson Street Pier

SANDUSKY — Mesmerized by what he just saw, Blake Harris summed up his overwhelming emotions by uttering one word over and over again. "Wow," he said, always accompanied with a large smile spanning his face. Earlier this week, Harris, a Sandusky city commissioner, received a sneak peek of the "substantially completed" Jackson Street Pier in downtown Sandusky. Officials on Friday debuted the pier for foot traffic only, allowing pedestrians to walk around the public waterfront's main passage points and perimeter. Also on Friday: Officials unveiled the new Shoreline Drive, which leads commuters and pedestrians into Jackson Street Pier. Some tasks, such as constructing the pavilion and installing some picnic benches, remain incomplete, due to COVID-19-related complications, but should receive their finishing touches within a month's time. When this occurs, vehicles can drive onto and park at the pier. But what's available today will likely impress people, Harris said. Some of his favorite spots include the: • Trellis swing benches, which, depending on their locations, offer different views of Lake Erie, downtown Sandusky and the pier itself • Sun stairs, which, beyond providing a panoramic view of Sandusky Bay, offer a great spot to lounge, eat lunch or take photographs with friends or family members • Staging area, which can accommodate concerts, big or small, making this space an entertainment destination "The new pier has so much to offer," Harris said. "It offers flexibility, convenience, accessibility, practicality and visibility." Harris then threw out a theory about the pier's evolution and how people might perceive it. "This new look sort of tricks the mind into thinking it has much more depth than it did before," said Harris, noting how it feels "bigger" than before. Harris invites everyone to come down and check out the transformed space. "In my opinion, the new Jackson Street Pier has exceeded expectations, and I can't wait for the community to see and experience it for themselves," Harris said. "I also look forward to everyone having the opportunity to create new memories with their loved ones." Providing insight on the pier Breaking ground in December 2018, and taking about 18 months to complete, the $8.1 million publicly funded Jackson Street Pier project features several amenities and concepts agreed upon by many different parties. The final product resulted from a yearlong planning process, which solicited input and feedback from city officials, planners, community members, visitors, ferry operators and other stakeholders. For instance, some residents wanted to keep all the parking spots that were there, about 240. Others wanted none. The final product shows a compromise. When analyzing the Jackson Street Pier's evolution, from what it was to today, it: • Maintains all existing uses for fishermen, boaters and people who walk or drive there to park for relaxation purposes • Keeps parking along the water's edge and northernmost end • Adds a multipurpose enclosed building people can rent out for events, such as weddings, graduation parties or other special occasions • Upgrades handicap accessibility for both motorists and pedestrians, who can more easily enter a boardwalk area • Increases seating opportunities with more benches in addition to new relaxation areas like trellis swings, picnic tables and the sun stairs • Creates a boardwalk spanning the entire pier's perimeter, which, in its past configuration, unexpectedly ended at the northwest corner • Enhances the Homeland Security areas necessary to preserve ferry service to Pelee Island • Addresses deferred maintenance and beautification issues while improving sightlines along the waterfront • Improves the ticketing, drop-off and waiting environment for traffic boarding or departing the Goodtime I, Jet Express and Pelee Islander Sounding off Several officials playing a pivotal role in the Jackson Street Pier's evolution expressed their opinions about this space: "The bicentennial plan called for building on our unique assets, including miles of stunning waterfront, to cultivate a bright future. The reconstruction of Shoreline Drive in and rehabilitation of the Jackson Street Pier were major components of that particular goal. While upgrading and improving aging infrastructure was certainly a focus, both projects have been flexibly and strategically redesigned to include something for everyone to enjoy. These are the types of projects that a community rarely has an opportunity to undertake: to re-envision iconic spaces and to build lasting memories for years to come. Not many engineers get to see a project from conception through public involvement, planning, design, construction, and finally to reopening. I have truly been blessed to be involved with such great teams and leadership to make these projects a success." — Aaron Klein, the city's public works director who proposed the idea, worked on plans, coordinated efforts with various project partners and supervised all work "Donley's is proud to have led the redevelopment of Jackson Street Pier. As part of the city of Sandusky's bicentennial vision to improve waterfront access and park spaces, we hope the pier will be enjoyed by city residents for years to come. Along with our design and subcontracting partners, and all the tradesmen and women who worked to make this project possible, we congratulate the city of Sandusky on this transformative project." — Dan Gess, the senior project manager for Donley's, the project's primary contractor "The City Architecture team is honored to have served as designer for both the Jackson Street Pier and Shoreline Drive transformations. Beginning with the city's bicentennial plan, these two important initiatives represent the best of community involvement, engagement and empowerment. The design process listened to many voices, and the resultant visions are a collective of ideas, creating new spaces and opportunities for enjoyment along a breathtaking waterfront. Through the city's leadership, the project team's commitment and Donley's and Kokosing's construction ability, the end result captures the design intent beautifully. Congratulations to the city of Sandusky and all of the residents that shared their voices to transform downtown." — Alex Pesta, the planning principal for City Architecture, the project's primary planner "This is an exceptional moment in our community's history as our path turns unmistakably toward the future, welcoming all to our precious waterfront with confidence, joy and outstretched arms. It is a triumph of vision, planning, determination and execution. As so many generations have before us, this is our turn to pay it forward and secure Sandusky's future as a wonderful community." — Sandusky city commissioner Dennis Murray Jr., who served as the government's mayor when commissioners approved this project