SC Biz News Top Projects 2025 – Surfside Beach Fishing Pier

The Surfside Beach Fishing Pier represents a remarkable feat of coastal engineering and community resilience. Completed in February 2024 at a cost of $18.9 million, this 15,590-square-foot structure replaced a timber pier damaged by Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

Located at 11 South Ocean Boulevard, the new pier extends just over 800 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, supported by 36-inch and 42-inch diameter steel piles with 54-inch or 66-inch diameter concrete sleeves. The elevated design incorporates updated flood plain requirements plus an additional three-foot freeboard mandated by the Town of Surfside Beach.

Consensus Construction served as general contractor, collaborating with LS3P as architect and Collins Engineers for structural design. The project utilized innovative materials and methods, including composite decking designed to break away during storm events to reduce structural loads. Cold-formed light gauge steel panelized systems replaced originally planned wood construction, with all framing receiving G90 galvanized coating for enhanced corrosion resistance.

The pier features three two-story metal structures providing four tenant spaces, connected by 12-foot-wide walkways. Building square footage increased 2.3 times over the previous structure, enhancing the town’s revenue potential. Accessibility improvements include an elevator and 228-foot ramp requested by local fishermen.

During construction, the project weathered Hurricane Ian at 75 percent completion, validating the resilient design approach. The pier serves as Surfside Beach’s community heartbeat, supporting fishing, dining and town celebrations while embodying the “Family Beach” motto through enhanced public amenities and tenant opportunities.