Jakob Rope Systems is an international manufacturer specializing in high-performance architectural cable, mesh, and railing systems designed to meet demanding structural, safety, and aesthetic requirements in public and private architecture. Webnet stainless steel mesh and Inviss-C railing systems from Jakob USA were applied at Pier 58, a newly reconstructed public waterfront pier, located along the central shoreline of Seattle, Washington, USA. Conceived as a contemporary civic space, the project forms part of the broader Seattle Waterfront redevelopment, a long-term urban initiative focused on reconnecting the city with Elliott Bay.
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Pier 58 is a major component of Waterfront Park, transforming a former aging pier into a modern, accessible, and resilient public destination. Reopened in 2025, the project adds nearly 50,000 square feet of outdoor space adjacent to the Seattle Aquarium and serves as a key link between the downtown core and the waterfront promenade. Designed as a multi-use urban park, the pier integrates plazas, shaded seating areas, landscaped zones, and family-oriented recreational spaces inspired by the marine environment. Its strategic location and open design make it a central gathering point for residents and visitors, reinforcing the civic character of Seattle’s renewed shoreline.
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Given its exposure to coastal weather conditions, the project required architectural elements capable of withstanding wind, moisture, salt air, heavy public use, and the seismic demands characteristic of the Pacific Northwest while maintaining a visually lightweight presence. Safety barriers along the perimeter of the pier needed to meet strict code requirements without interrupting views toward Elliott Bay and the surrounding urban landscape. The design intent emphasized transparency, durability, and minimal visual impact, ensuring that protective elements would support the experience of openness and connection to the water rather than dominate it.
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Jakob USA supplied approximately 600 linear feet of Inviss-C railing frames combined with Webnet stainless steel mesh infill to form continuous edge protection along the pier. The Webnet system, fabricated entirely from AISI 316 marine-grade stainless steel cables, provides a robust yet flexible barrier solution specifically suited to high-exposure marine environments, where long-term resistance to salt spray and corrosion is essential. Its fine, net-like structure allows for uninterrupted sightlines while ensuring safety for pedestrians of all ages. The flexible mesh construction also accommodates structural movement, while the Inviss-C frame system was selected for its clean detailing and ability to integrate seamlessly with the pier’s contemporary architectural language.
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Webnet’s corrosion-resistant AISI 316 stainless steel construction and low-maintenance characteristics make it particularly effective for long-term waterfront applications exposed to salt air, moisture, wind, and seismic demands, where conventional materials may require more frequent maintenance or replacement. At Pier 58, the system contributes to a cohesive public realm by balancing structural performance with transparency and elegance. The result is a protective edge solution that supports the pier’s role as an open, inclusive civic space, reinforcing the project’s goal of creating a safe, durable, and visually unobtrusive interface between land and water.
