SURFSIDE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Surfside Beach will get nearly $10 million from the federal government to rebuild its pier after Hurricane Matthew destroyed it.

Now, the town is trying to figure out what the new pier will look like.

Surfside Beach has three options to build a concrete pier. The project’s architects say it would be the first concrete pier in South Carolina.

The different choices would likely change the look of Surfside’s oceanfront. The pier has been an important part of Surfside Beach’s economy, but it’s been closed for about two years.

Now, the town is moving closer to rebuilding it.

“We know it will bring in a lot of revenue,” said mayor Bob Childs. “I guess the big question to some council (members) is how much revenue it would bring in.”

Surfside held a workshop Friday to see how the town will spend $9.75 million from FEMA to rebuild the pier.

The first choice is simple.

“The basic option, which is going back to what was there, putting the exact same (pier) footprint, the exact same size buildings that were there prior to Hurricane Matthew,” said Jonathan Sigman, regional manager for Collins Engineers.

Estimates say that option would cost $10.27 million, which means Surfside would have to pay about $520,000 after the FEMA grant. Option two would build a third one-story building for $10.98 million, costing the town about $1.23 million.

The third option would make the third building two stories tall. That costs $12.16 million, and $2.41 million would be paid by Surfside.

The town could also choose a combination of the choices.

“More space would be more leasable space, and be available to the community and to provide more revenue to the town,” Sigman said. “It’ll also be more expensive to construct.”

Mayor Childs says council will consider the costs, but also thinks another building could be good.

“I kind of like the two single-story and one double-story (option),” Childs said. “That’s kind of the way I’m thinking, but I’d like to hear the rest of council.”

One piece of information council didn’t receive Friday is how tall the buildings would be.

The council is trying to find that out and will hold a special meeting to discuss the options further Monday at 6 p.m.