Pick Your Favorite Pier Design

Bold, ultra-modern and conjuring sea images, the designs for a future St. Petersburg Pier were released at high noon Wednesday for public viewing.

One thing is certain: They are nothing like the existing, 1970s-era Pier that has a long dock and illuminates Tampa Bay at night, with colorful, changing lights.

Elements of the unconventional, proposed designs include a water garden, "wave" walk, hammock forest and skate park. Each design seems to offer and incorporate panoramic views of the water and the city skyline.

The three designers – from New York and Los Angeles – are sure to wow locals and city officials with the swirling, dramatic, pedestrian-friendly piers unveiled today for public viewing.

The final three were submitted to the city on Tuesday. Today, the city released them at stpete.org/pierdesign.

The public also will have an opportunity to see the designs firsthand and comment on them at a special exhibit hosted by the from Dec. 6–30.

On Dec. 16, the architect teams will present their concepts to the jury at the , 535 4th Ave. N.

The city appointed a five-member jury to review and judge the submissions. The jury is composed of an elected official from the city, a community representative appointed by the mayor and three qualified professionals from outside of Florida. It will evaluate each design concept and make its final ranking on Jan. 20, 2012.

A $50 million budget has been "earmarked" for rebuilding the St. Pete Pier, according to the city.

Here are details on designs by :

Michael Maltzan Architecture of Los Angeles: "The Lens":

"For us, the ultimate significance of the Pier is not as an object, or even a single park, but as the central element connecting downtown St. Petersburg with its waterfront." - Maltzan Architecture

• Plans include a amphitheater, water garden/park, spa beach, Vinoy Park bridge, circular track.
• Phase 1 has a budget goal of $45 million.
• Phase 2 options could total more than $90 million.

West 8 Urban Design and Landscape Architecture: "The People's Pier":

"We believe that this competition is a chance to establish a vision for St. Petersburg's future. More than an object, more than an icon, it is about making St. Pete an even better city to live in." - West 8 Urban.

• Plans include over, on and underwater design plans, a panoramic deck and extended sandbar.
• Total Construction Cost is $44.7 million
• Additional options, including extended sandbar, which could cost up to $19.6 million.

Bjarke Ingels Group: "The Wave":

The Wave is conceived as a strong character on the skyline and waterline of St Petersburg and Tampa Bay. Its characteristic waves and curves lend themselves to an array of activities around and within them." - Bjarke Ingels Group

• Design includes three parts, tributary park, wave walk and wave. Other optional amenities include a pool, hammock forest, rock climbing wall and skate park. 
• Total construction cost is $49.9 million.
• Additional options, including a Vinoy pedestrian bridge, would be $12.1 million.