St. Pete Pier design proposal: "The Lens" by Michael Maltzan Architecture (image courtesy City of St. Petersburg)
St. Petersburg, Florida -- The St. Petersburg City Council just approved a contractor for the controversial "Lens" pier project.
In a 6 to 2 vote, they chose to use a construction manager from Skanska USA Builders to do the work.
Photo Gallery: The Lens Pier design pictures
The existing "inverted pyramid" on the St. Pete Pier is expected to close at the end of May next year, and demolition would begin in the fall.
Last month, Mayor Bill Foster said they'd go forward with the plan to build The Lens unless a judge tells them to stop.
The next meeting to discuss the issue is set for December.