Book 1 - City of St. Petersburg

BASIS OF DESIGN BOOK 1
3 GENERAL PLANNING CRITERIA
PUBLIC OUTREACH NOTES
Summary
Beginning in June 2012, the design team embarked on a
substantial public outreach campaign to educate the community
about the Lens. Led by Lisa Wannemacher of Wannemacher
Jensen Architects, a total of 38 presentations were made to local
Rotary Groups, Exchange Clubs, Neighborhood Associations,
university students and public and private organizations
between April and November of 2012. Several others will be
held in the near future. Following the presentations, a question
and answer period provided an opportunity for the public to
obtain additional insight and offer their personal ideas and
aspirations. The attendees left the presentations with a greater
understanding of the project and the overwhelming majority
became strong supporters of the process and the design. A few
noteworthy comments follow:
“I had several members approach me afterwards to
express how much more clearly they understood the
project, and felt more comfortable with the plan and
design. I believe that the evening was a success.”
Andrew Lee – President, MLK Business District
“I know the vast majority of the audience was favorably
impressed, if not inspired. You set the stage nicely, and
then made a great case for the direction we are headed in
on this long range project.”
Peter Motzenbecker – Vinoy Business Alliance
“I believe I detected a growing enthusiasm for the project
within our membership.”
Jim Schattman – President, Crossroads Area Neighborhood
Association
“Lisa, you changed a lot of people’s minds.”
David Hoover – President, Riviera Bay Civic Association
“I feel several ‘undecideds’ left with a much better
understanding of what the Lens is about!”
Hal Freedman – Downtown Resident
Additionally, artists, commercial business owners and athletic
event directors, among others, were contacted to solicit their
input for the final BOD Report. Presentations and public
outreach will continue throughout future phases of the project so
that the new Pier design will ultimately become a true reflection
of the communities’ ambitions, goals and desires.
Several design refinements have already occurred as a result
of comments from the community and individual citizens.
Important changes include: elimination of motorboats from the
Marina to provide a space that favors passive, people-powered
watercraft; relocation of the Learning Steps Amphitheater to the
Promontory; provision of designated fishing platforms; reduction
in overall length of the Lens; incorporation of a civic water
feature at the Uplands; increase in the widths of the Overwater
3 - 4
THE NEW ST. PETERSBURG PIER