Fresco’s waterfront restaurant sits fully over water, and is tucked back behind some large oak trees at the mouth of the S. Pete Pier. The owner approached WJA about producing a concept design that would align with the modern look of the new pier, provide additional hurricane protection, and establish a greater presence on Bayshore and with the Marina. Fresco’s has partnered with Waterview Marinas to provide a reimagined restaurant and marina design that responds to the city’s RFP for the St. Pete Municipal Marina.
WJA has designed a new building that will be located south of the existing structure, allowing the restaurant to remain operational while under construction. The new dining room raised 13′ 4″ above grade, provides ample coverage for an outdoor bar on ground level, capitalizing on the heavy foot traffic from both the Pinellas Trail and St. Pete Pier. There’s approximately 44 seats in the indoor dining and 79 covered seats on the 1st level, with 116 seats of mixed covered and uncovered dining on the 2nd level. The dining room provides space for private events and dining with skyline views of the downtown area.
