Florida demolition firm dismantles inverted pyramid at St. Petersburg pier

Demolition of an inverted pyramid at the head of a pier in St. Petersburg, Florida, is nearing completion. According to an article on www.tampabay.com. the inverted pyramid is being demolished by Sonny Glasbrenner Inc., Clearwater, Florida, for $3.2 million.

The structure is being removed for the development of Pier Park, a $46 million development to include a series of parks, shops, bike and walking trails and other recreational activities. The project by ASD architects of Tampa and Rogers Partners is scheduled to open in spring 2018.

The demolition of the pyramid is expected by the end of October. Then crews will demolish the rest of the pier and pier approach work can begin.

The city has set up a time-lapsed video of the demolition process on its website. According to the article, the video is updated each Friday and can be seen by clicking on “updates” at www.newstpetepier.com, which also has renderings and details about the Pier Park design.

According to the article, the inverted pyramid was built in 1973, but the city began making plans to replace it in 2005 rather than bear the maintenance expenses for the deteriorating structure. The pyramid has been closed for two years.