The History of the Naples Pier

The Symbol of Naples 

This iconic landmark has become a symbol of Naples itself. It is featured in every local photographer’s portfolio and every artist’s collection. Over the years it became more than a fishing pier…it is where locals and tourists alike come to watch our story-book sunsets. A place where people exchange vows and one of the most popular proposal locations in the city. The Naples Pier is indeed a landmark…

A photograph of the pier is what The NaplesRealEstate.com Team has used for many years to create our brand!

The pier was originally constructed in 1888 by Walter N. Haldeman, alongside Captain James Canty. It was intended as an essential port for receiving people, freight and supplies in the early years of Naples, before road access.

Over the years the pier has been damaged or destroyed by fires and hurricanes several times. Some notable dates through its history include: The Hurricane of 1910, which once repaired it was extended to 1000 ft and modified into an “L” shape. The Labor Day Hurricane in 1935 caused damage, and then in 1960 Hurricane Donna resulted in significant damage. [The United Sates began naming storms in 1950] A major re-build funded largely by Lester and Dellora Norris with the stipulation that public access at the pier would always remain free of charge. This time the pier was designed to resemble Tahitian-style rooflines and durable “greenheart” pilings with added amenities such as restrooms and fish cleaning stations. Since then, the pier has suffered damage from Hurricanes Wilma in 2005, Irma in 2017, and most recently Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Did you know, during a renovation in 2015 a time capsule was sealed within the pier’s structure. We are hopeful this can be recovered to be opened years from now by a future generation.  Also, in 2015 the installation of special “turtle-friendly” lighting, designed to minimize disruption to nesting sea turtle hatchlings, who can be disoriented by bright lights.

On September 28th, 2022 Naples saw a direct hit, the first since Donna in 1960, and our beloved landmark lost approximately 460’ of its structure including 140’ at the end which collapsed into the Gulf along with over 30 pilings.

To some it may seem to be taking a long time to design and engineer the new pier, but to ensure long-term resilience and respect to the pier’s legacy, city engineers, architects and designers have worked diligently to create a structure that meets all federal, state and local guidelines. The entire pier will be replaced and raised at least three feet. Additionally, stronger concrete pilings and decking have been studied to increase support while minimizing environmental impact. The designers are retaining the Tahitian-style architecture, which I believe will please everyone who loves our pier! In October, 2024 Shoreline Foundation, Inc. was awarded the construction contract. In June, 2025 the Naples City Council approved the $26 Million rebuild plan. The in July 2025 the project cleared the one of the last federal hurdles. *As of this writing the US Army Corps of Engineers has sent the Pier Rebuild Plan to the US Fish and Wildlife Service for review. Presently, it is anticipated construction should take 18 months.

If you are interested, we would be happy to share with you the Naples Pier Approved Design renderings. Just send us your email address and we will forward you a link! HPW@NaplesRealEstate.com

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The Naples Real Estate Blogger