CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Indian Point Pier has been attracting fishing and sightseeing enthusiasts since the 1950s.
After securing a $2 million donation agreement with the Zachary Group and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America Inc. last year, the city of Portland is transforming the outdated pier into a new artistic gathering spot equipped with a number of amenities.
"Indian Point Pier has been a landmark for Portland residents and tours for decades," said Portland Deputy City Manager Brian DeLatte.
The Indian Point Pier has been a topic of conversation in recent years. With a long-term agreement with the Port of Corpus Christi, which owns the submerged land the pier sits on, and funding secured, the pier is currently undergoing major renovations.
"The new pier is going to have improved railing, improve lighting, green lights to help improve the fishing experience but also in the parking lot will be a spot for food trucks," DeLatte said.
The work will also include improved gathering spaces, increased parking, the demolition of the existing concessions building and the construction of an iconic shade structure.
"Construction started in December, and we've made some good progress so far," said Beecroft Construction's Mike Munoz. "We have our structure installed and we're working on the sails, we're on the pier working on the lighting and working on the railing. We'll be here till mid-June."
The City of Portland is overseeing the project and officials say, the pier should be open and ready for visitors by the end of June. Beecroft Construction is handling the project, and Richter Architects is designing the shade structure.
The new space will be more than just functional.
The improvements to Indian Point Pier, along with the reconstruction of Portland municipal parks, the Portland Sports Complex and the construction of a new boat ramp, set to begin in May.
"The city of Portland really doesn't have any public art," DeLatte said. "This is an opportunity to have not just a functional space for a residence can enjoy but also an incorporate public art element."
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