Folly Beach Pier Construction: 3 Things You Should Know
The Folly Beach Fishing pier is place where both locals and visitors can relax and take in the sights of Folly. The pier has become an icon both on Folly and across the Lowcountry. The Folly Beach Pier dates back over 50 years.
Initially built with palmetto logs, the 120-foot wide and 97-foot long green and white structure played host to many famous musicians including Jerry Lee Lewis, the Drifters, and the Coasters among many others. The original pier fell victim to a nearby fire at the Ocean Front Hotel and reopened in 1960 as the Ocean Plaza. The Ocean Plaza featured a boardwalk, amusement park rides, roller skating rink and concessions.
However, this new pier only lasted 17 years and was again destroyed in a fire in January of 1977. The remains were removed and the boardwalk was sold. A Holiday Inn, which is now the Tides, was built next to the site in 1985.
The current pier was opened on July 4, 1995 after the purchase of the property by Charleston County Parks in 1992. The Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier is currently 25-feet wide by 1,045 feet long. After 24 years of use, the current pier will be demolished to make room for a new, safer pier. Here are three things you should know about the Folly Beach Pier construction project.
The Walkway Will be Closed for 18-22 Months
According to ABC News 4, the current walkway to the pier will be closed for a little under two years. This will allow for a complete demolition and reconstruction of the pier. Pier 101 restaurant, the Folly Beach Pier gift shop, and restrooms will all remain open during this phase.
Upon completion of the walkway, a new access ramp will be built to the side, followed by a new rectangular deck and gift shop. The rectangular deck and gift shop construction is expected to take four months.
During construction, parking around the pier will be limited with up to about a third of the pier’s parking lot being impacted.
As of January 2020, the pier is still open to visitors. According to Charleston County Parks, the pier is still currently in the midst of state and federal permitting processes, as well as, accepting contractor proposals.
The Current Pier is Still Safe for Visitors
The current pier is being replaced due to deterioration in the wood pilings caused from marine borer worms. First discovered in 2013, the deteriorating pilings were encapsulated with cement. The encapsulation helped kill the worms while reinforcing the structure. The diamond-head structure of the pier has had one half of the pilings encapsulated, making it safe for dances and events that are frequently held on the pier. The structure is still safe for use and is continually inspected with piles being encapsulated to ensure it remains viable until it is replaced.
The New Pier with Mimic the Existing Pier
The new pier is currently in the design phase, but is anticipated to have the same great qualities that the current pier has including fishing stations and room to host the dances and events. The new pier is being designed by Wantman Group Inc. (WPI), a renowned ocean pier design group. The current design permit has been filed with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Office of Coastal Resource Management.
How to Stay Up to Date on the Latest Folly Beach Pier Construction Progress
You can stay up to date on the pier construction progress by visiting Charleston County Parks website and clicking on “Folly Beach Fishing Pier Replacement” or by visiting this link: https://www.ccprc.com/3366/Folly-Beach-Fishing-Pier-Replacement.