By MADDY VITALE
The Ocean City Music Pier is the showpiece of the Boardwalk. It has regally stood the test of time, despite being exposed to countless storms, and has been a venue for generations of visitors to enjoy concerts, shows and other entertainment.
And because the historic building, dating to 1928, means so much to residents and visitors, the city makes it a top priority to keep up on its exterior and interior. But like any old structure, it needs repairs, updates and plenty of maintenance.
Mayor Jay Gillian gave an update on a new project to repair some areas of the Music Pier’s substructure.
“Crews are mobilizing this week on the beach at the Ocean City Music Pier, as they begin work to repair and strengthen the substructure of the pier,” he said in a statement.
In November, City Council approved a resolution for improvements to the Music Pier’s substructure.
Gillian remarked Sunday about the importance of keeping one of the city’s historic gems in good shape.
“The Music Pier is iconic and an important piece of history,” he said. “We can never stop taking care of that building.”
The contract for the Music Pier's repairs went to Platinum Specialty Services Inc. of Sewell, N.J., for $517,595, according to Council resolution. The costs for repairs will come from the city’s budget for capital improvements.
"Gypsy" performs to a crowd on New Year's Eve at the Music Pier. (Photo courtesy of Martin Fiedler, Just Right TV Productions)
The Music Pier has been the city's hub for entertainment and cultural events since it was constructed in the 1920s. Among the top attractions are the concerts by the Ocean City Pops, the acclaimed hometown orchestra.
Throughout the year, there are numerous concerts, musicals, beauty pageants, flower shows, food festivals, antiques fairs, train shows and other events in the building.
In recent years, the city has upgraded the Music Pier’s sound systems, stage lighting, the HVAC system, and other parts of the building to create a more inviting experience for the tens of thousands of people who visit the building every year.
Last year, the city had a structural analysis done to the Music Pier by Czar Engineering LLC of Egg Harbor Township before asking Council to award a contract to repair the substructure.
Council approved a professional services contract totaling $18,500 for the engineering firm to assist with contract documents, bidding and construction management. The firm's recommendations are being utilized by Platinum to do the work.
At the time, City Business Administrator George Savastano explained that the contract was for a “plan of repair of the facade, the building walls and the windows.”
He noted that, “We keep it in good shape, but we have some spots we need to address.”
The train show packs in a crowd at the Music Pier each year.
