Upcoming Wharf Projects
On December 23, 2024, the end of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, where the Dolphin Restaurant and Restroom #3 were located, collapsed into the ocean along with two workers. The collapsed section was approximately 180 ft. in length on the southernmost end of the Wharf. The collapsed area had been damaged in the Winter 2023-24 storms and was under construction at the time of the collapse. Two workers were rescued by Santa Cruz Lifeguard Unit 3166 and sustained only minor injuries.
In February 2025, the Santa Cruz City Council formed an ad hoc sub-committee to work with City staff on a near-term proposal to address the damaged end of the Wharf. The proposal(s) will be presented to City Council in late Spring 2025. This work will parallel the City’s timing and implementation of the Wharf Master Plan. Prior to the Wharf partial collapse, the City received a grant for approximately $7 million through the California Coastal Conservancy to advance Wharf Master Plan projects on the Wharf. More information on the Wharf Master Plan can be found here. The City Council and staff will prioritize Wharf recovery efforts while also planning for implementation of the grant funding. The City is continuing to work with the State in regards to disaster reimbursement from the December incident. More information will be forthcoming this spring.