Fernandina Harbor Marina begins $12.58M redevelopment, with completion targeted for 2027

Baker Design Build has begun mobilizing for a $12.58 million overhaul of Fernandina Harbor Marina, with Parking Lot A fenced off and closed as crews prepare to demolish the former Brett's Waterway Cafe and rebuild aging waterfront infrastructure.

The Jacksonville-based contractor's arrival, reported by the Fernandina Beach News-Leader on Thursday, Oct. 8, marks a significant step in the city's long-planned waterfront redevelopment. Construction is tentatively scheduled for completion Dec. 3, 2027.

The project includes demolishing the former restaurant, replacing sections of the marina's aging seawall, dredging the basin and constructing new docks, fueling infrastructure and an over-water pier.

The Fernandina Beach City Commission voted 5-0 on July 21 to approve the redevelopment under Resolution 2026-92, awarding a roughly $9.66 million construction contract to Baker Consulting & Engineering LLC, doing business as Baker Design Build.

Including construction administration, inspections, contingency funding and other expenses, the city authorized a total project cost of $12,582,900.83.

Aging seawall and former restaurant drive redevelopment

Brett's Waterway Cafe, which operated at 1 S. Front St. for more than 41 years, closed permanently Oct. 4, 2025.

The city owns the property, and officials had raised concerns about the deteriorating structure extending over the Amelia River.

City Manager Sarah Campbell told First Coast News in June 2025 that portions of the structure were breaking away into the water.

The city subsequently agreed to a $660,000 settlement with the restaurant's leaseholders, according to the Fernandina Observer.

Project manager Glen Akramoff described the building's deteriorating foundation during a July stakeholder meeting.

"The conditions underneath Brett's are so bad that engineers won't even go down there," Akramoff said, according to Florida NewsLine.

The existing seawall, portions of which are approximately a century old, has deteriorated significantly. City officials said its support system has corroded, creating concerns about structural stability and vulnerability to flooding.

The replacement seawall is designed to improve waterfront resilience against rising tides and future flooding.

Construction plans also call for removing excess pilings and other structures to improve water circulation and expand public views of the Amelia River.

The new pier will be designed to accommodate a possible future marina building, although commissioners have not approved construction of such a facility.

State grants and city funds will cover construction

The redevelopment will be financed through a combination of state grants, city borrowing and locally generated revenue.

According to the city's marina redevelopment plan, funding sources include a state resiliency grant for seawall improvements, a Florida Inland Navigation District grant for eligible dredging expenses, the city's line of credit, Community Redevelopment Agency funds, paid parking revenue and marina operations funds.

The dredging grant is expected to reimburse up to 50% of eligible costs.

The project also includes construction administration and observation by Passero Associates LLC and inspection services by WSB LLC.

Construction plans call for moving contaminated or otherwise unsuitable demolition debris by barge to limit heavy-truck traffic through downtown. When land transportation is necessary, trucks are expected to use Ash Street rather than Centre Street.

Marina remains open during construction

The marina is expected to remain operational throughout the redevelopment, although temporary interruptions and changes to public access are possible.

Marina Manager Chris Ferguson said boats occupying construction areas would be reassigned to temporary slips. The relocation plan called for affected vessels to be moved before Aug. 18.

A temporary fuel barge is planned between Docks A and B while the permanent fueling facilities are rebuilt.

The city has already relocated the marina Ship Store to 17 S. Front St., inside the former Boaters' Lounge. The store remains open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to the city's redevelopment website.

The Pirate Voyages ticket kiosk has also moved to Parking Lot B, with Amelia River Cruises included in the city's relocation plans.

City officials said the project aims to improve pedestrian access to the waterfront, modernize marina operations, strengthen flood protection and open the view corridor from Centre Street to the Amelia River.

The city has set a tentative completion date of Dec. 3, 2027, although the schedule may change as construction progresses.

Residents and marina users can follow project information, construction notices and operational changes through the city's marina redevelopment page.