FOLLOWUP: Don Armeni Boat Ramp dock-replacement work begins, seven years after first word of the plan

Thanks to Doug Eglington for sending photos Tuesday showing that crews were delivering materials to Don Armeni Boat Ramp. Today Seattle Parks confirmed this is the start of the long-in-the-works project to replace the floating docks at Don Armeni. Parks reiterates that one float will remain in service at all times; Doug sent another photo today showing one already has been removed:

This is another long-delayed project – we first reported on the plan seven years ago, at which time work was expected to start later that year (2017). Two years ago, Parks blamed the delay on federal permitting. The contractor is American Construction of Tacoma, which bid $1.2 million last year; Parks says the work should take about two months.

aRF January 17, 2024 (3:17 pm)

One wonders if the boat ramps might be better served under the Port of Seattle.

Daniel January 17, 2024 (4:28 pm)

Dunno, the (pedestrian) pier at the edge of Jack Block has been closed for many many years. That’s already under Port control.
22blades January 19, 2024 (9:11 am)

Understand the logic but being familiar with the Port, I’d say a fat NO. The boat ramp is utilized by not just pleasure boaters but the USCG & researchers. They’d want more container space or a shopping mall like SEATAC.

TM January 17, 2024 (3:18 pm)

Awesome! Better scheduling too (vs height of summer & fishing season)

BS January 17, 2024 (4:32 pm)

Those ramps were a mess, getting dangerous for boats and pedestrians. We’ll see more of Monkey Trick now.

CARGUY January 17, 2024 (5:08 pm)

1.2mil seems excessive. I worked waterfront construction for a few years primarily building docks exactly like this. Nothing specialized here. It is basically sections of deck with galvanized steel loops to connect each section,.Flip it over and lag bolt in the floats. All done off site. 2-3 people max for the whole job. Don’t even have to get wet.If they are actually working with the concrete ramp and pilings I can see those bing much much more expensive than the dock itself.

W.sea boater. January 17, 2024 (5:57 pm)

Do remember our beloved city did spend over $600k for a bathroom and $120k for a stellar jay statue. pretty sure the pilings are getting done as well.
Whhaaa January 17, 2024 (7:48 pm)

Just look at the link in the article. It involves pile driving and concrete work.
Peter January 18, 2024 (8:16 am)

If you’re sure you could do it cheaper why didn’t you submit a bid when they issued the RFP?

TM January 17, 2024 (6:09 pm)

Was looking for the original announcement in the WSB, I thought I remembered the scope to include rehab and extension of the cement ramp (it’s got about a 2’ dropoff now), as well as extending/expanding the docks? Would be great if they are extending the cement too, it’s an issue during minus tides.