St. Petersburg, Florida -- A new St. Petersburg Pier is closer to becoming a reality.
Four presentations on the future of St. Pete Pier wrapped up Wednesday afternoon, and as you might expect, there was some controversy.
There are lots of different opinions flying around after these presentations. Some people tell 10 News they became been convinced one way or the other today. However, there are still three presentations on Thursday.
But more than a year after voters said no to a pier redesign... here's a look at the new ideas up for debate.
The ALMA plan by Alfonso Architects: They want to completely redo the pier. Say goodbye to the inverted pyramid, hello to a massive tower at the pier head. Alberto Alfonso says he wants eyeballs looking out to the water to draw more visitors.
"Hopefully ... as you saw some of the approaches on the water, but also from the city you go, 'OK, I want to go out there,'" he said.
Number two, Prospect Pier. FR-EE with Civitas/Mesh wants to keep the existing inverted pyramid, and revamp it with a rooftop terrace with 360 degree views, a public plaza facing the water and one facing the city.
"It's a way of preserving the past, with a legacy for the future tied to an icon," said St. Petersburg resident Bob Dobbs.
Number three, The Pier Park. Just like it sounds, this design brings a more open, flexible plan to the pier. It drastically changes the inverted pyramid into a more open-air space and restaurant.
"Looks like it's very approachable. That's probably the most important thing to me," said resident Bob Harvey. "This just looks like a pier, a 21st century pier."
And finally rePier. It's another revamped inverted pyramid, adding an open air observatory, dining options and places for people to run and bike.
But even with all new approaches, some residents are still unhappy.
"The 'None of the Above' options should be available in this competition as well," said St. Pete resident Van Ivey.
MORE PICTURES: Classic St. Petersburg Pier photos
This is just the beginning. On Thursday there will be three more presentations at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg, before you can go online and weigh in on choices. That will start in just under two weeks on February 23rd.
One thing that does bring all of these disparate ideas together? All of presentations try to position the pier space as an icon at the heart of the St. Petersburg community, something to be built around.
To see a full breakdown of the designs up for debate, head here: www.newstpetepier.com.
Here are links to the seven finalists:
If you do not see the above links:
