The Corpus Christi seawall is due for a makeover — $1.1 million in upgrades approved by the City Council at its regular meeting Tuesday, March 30. The construction contract was given to Western Speciality Contractors. 
Upgrades extend from McGee Beach to the Barge Dock, about 1.7 miles. Work will include improvements to the Selena Memorial and all eight mirador concrete structures. 
The scope of the project, which begins in April, includes concrete surface repairs, joint repairs, and replacement of drinking water fountains. Also included are repainting the top step of the seawall, pressure washing the steps, and installing skate stops on the top step along the length of the seawall.
Most repairs are minor and consistent with routine maintenance of concrete marine structures and should be completed by September. 
The last time work was done on the seawall was in 2007 to address structural deterioration over time since the original construction, which took place from 1939 to 1942. Total cost of the 2007 repairs was $43.4 million with a projected extension of economic life by 50 years. 
“This projected is intended to address minor maintenance issues and prevent more rapid deterioration,” reads a statement from the city.