The waterfront district has traditionally been depicted as severely deteriorated. ELQ has initiated several Revitalization Projects throughout the years, such as the Harbor Renovation in 1998 and the Waterfront Revitalization Project in 2014, which created new jobs for the community to redevelop the area.
History[]
Beloved super-couple Luke Spencer and Laura Webber on Elm Street Pier (2006)
The entrance to Kelly's Diner (now Bobbie's) seen on Pier 52
Sam McCall dives into the harbor to rescue Jason
On the docks, Josslyn Jacks fights Nelle Benson after the horror she put everyone through (2018)
A warehouse explodes! (2021)
Damian Spinelli tracks Franco Baldwin's location on a map that shows Piers 53-57 (2021)
Scott Baldwin gets a face-full of rival Luke's ashes at dock 54 (2022)
Port Charles is renowned for its port, as the name implies. The Waterfront district has long been a battleground for power among mob families, with the Smiths, Wus, and Jeromes historically vying for control. For over thirty years, Sonny Corinthos and the Corinthos mob have maintained control over the territory once ruled by Frank Smith, fending off challenges from rivals such as the Alcazars and the Zaccharas. The district houses Bobbie's, a local diner, and the Elm St. Pier, favored by notable residents. The Haunted Star was docked nearby for many years before its destruction. The Waterfront Promenade features the renowned Perks Coffee shop, serving Corinthos Coffee. Close by is the B/N Department Store. Pier 55 provides access to Spoon Island and Wyndemere Castle. The Waterfront also offers a scenic jogging route, including the Bellweather Steps with their stunning harbor views, and hosts the Polar Bear Plunge charity event.
The Waterfront Clinic and Community Sports Center were prominent establishments in the early 1980s. Rick Webber once leased a cottage in the vicinity for himself and Monica Quartermaine during their affair, where they were pursued by Alan Quartermaine, who sought to end their lives. Scott Baldwin later uses Jason Quartermaine's trust fund for the renovation of the waterfront pier and builds a mall. In the same era, Fisherman Village was developed as part of a money laundering scheme known as "Tumble Dry," orchestrated by mobsters. Dan Rooney, the Commissioner of Waterfront Development, tried to halt the construction because of substandard plans but was forcefully silenced through a staged "accident" masterminded by Mr. Big, the former Co-Police Chief Burt Ramsey.
Elm Street is a poorer district within the city and is located near The Waterfront. It is notable for being the childhood home of one of the city's most colorful figures, Luke Spencer. His sister, Bobbie Spencer, owned a renovated brownstone on this street, which housed many Port Charles residents. Alan Quartermaine and Mike Corbin frequented this part of Port Charles to meet with prostitutes while grappling with their addictions. Elm Street Pier, along with several other piers, has witnessed numerous violent incidents and shootouts over the years. Notable events include Maxie Jones having a narrow escape from an assault on this street after purchasing hydrocodone for Lucky Spencer. Robert Scorpio was ambushed by Lorenzo Alcazar's men while concealing Skye Quartermaine, who was pregnant with his child. Alexis Davis and Sam McCall were attacked on Elm St. Pier by the Text Message Killer. Shawn Butler prevented a bombing at the Waterfront, and Dante Falconeri was subsequently shot in the same area.
In August 1989, a large tanker exploded in the harbor after Anna Devane and Sean Donely, disguised as crew members, infiltrated a vessel owned by the criminal Nicholas Van Buren, known as "Domino." They discovered that Domino was using the tanker to transport munitions. Meanwhile, Frisco Jones, who was following Domino, was noticed by one of Domino's men. Frisco constructed a bomb. Concurrently, Anna and Sean planned to reboard the tanker, with Anna informing Katherine Delafield of their intentions. However, when Domino learned that Frisco was not incarcerated, he deemed it too risky to board the tanker himself. Unbeknownst to him, Anna and Sean were about to board, and Frisco had planted the bomb. As they boarded, Domino spotted Frisco on the docks. Katherine urgently informed Frisco that Anna and Sean were aboard, but it was too late—the bomb exploded. Katherine and Frisco were left fearing for Anna and Sean's lives. Despite injuries, Sean and Anna survived, but Claudio, one of Domino's men on the tanker, was severely injured. Upon learning of the explosion, Domino was informed. The tanker's captain found Sean and Anna, leading to Guy Lewis arresting Frisco. In the end, the tanker yielded no incriminating evidence, as Domino had foreseen Sean and Anna's scheme.
In February 1991, the Quartermaine vessel S.S. Tracy sank in Port Charles Harbor after being sabotaged by The Greenbelt Environmental Group led by Jenny Eckert. In an extreme protest, she took to a speedboat and executed a stunt that caused the vessel to explode, leading to the release of toxic chemicals and an environmental disaster. Mac Scorpio was forced to jump into the water following the ship's explosion and was subsequently rescued by Police Commissioner Robert Scorpio, his elder brother.
By 2004, The Pride-Philips Company, which Courtney Matthews acquired as a thank-you from a woman she saved, owned much of the waterfront. Courtney then sold it to Lorenzo Alcazar, and after his passing, Skye Chandler-Quartermaine inherited and subsequently sold the prized piers to Ric Lansing.
The year 2008 was significant for the mob on the waterfront. In March, a series of bombs set by the "Text Message Killer" demolished an abandoned cannery warehouse on the docks. Just before the blast, Sonny was in a warehouse meeting Claudia Zacchara to hand over her brother, Johnny Zacchara. She was on the phone attempting to negotiate peace with an ally and Sonny. At the same time, Trevor Lansing and a sniper were in a loft of the warehouse, aiming at Claudia. Ric Lansing and Marianna Erosa were elsewhere in the building, concealing the body of Randy. Carly Corinthos found Michael, who admitted to shooting Kate Howard. As they prepared to leave, a bomb was ticking down. The sniper fired just as the bomb detonated, causing an explosion that everyone survived, although Carly lost her baby. Subsequently, the docks were used for a counterfeit prescription drug operation led by Jerry Jacks, which resulted in at least one fatality—a female heart patient. Matt Hunter was the main suspect, but was later exonerated.
Later that year, the Russian mob's incursion into Port Charles set off a chain of events. The Russian mobster Andrei Karpov had his cargo ship, Odyssey, anchored in the harbor. Karpov later tried to kill Sonny by stabbing him and throwing him into the harbor, weighed down by his ankles. Carly rescued him in the nick of time. Weeks afterward, Sonny retaliated by killing Karpov. By late December, Sasha Donev was also shot and killed by a sniper at this location.
In September 2012, a significant shootout took place on the piers involving Jerry Jacks and his henchmen against Sonny Corinthos, Shawn Butler, John McBain, and Dante Falconeri. Jerry's boat exploded due to a gas leak caused by the shootout at the docks. Both Sonny and Jasper Jacks were on board, but they managed to swim to safety.
There are 57 piers on The Waterfront, which have been the scene of numerous events, including disasters and crimes.
Pier 14:
In September 2011, J.T. tells Johnny Zacchara that cut drugs are being stored at the old packaging house on the pier. Johnny has J.T. call his contact, Rudy Trujillo, to arrange a meeting. Before Rudy arrives, Johnny gives J.T. a gun for protection. Johnny calls Rudy's name and forces J.T. to shoot Rudy. Rudy shoots back and hits J.T. in the abdomen. Both men are killed.
Pier 17:
Nikolas pays a man to attack Hayden here. He "rescues" Hayden from the attacker and convinces her that Valentin wants her dead and she should leave town which she reluctantly does. [Nov 26-27, 2019]
After her brother Rocco Falconeri wouldn't believe that Charlotte had a secret bodyguard (her thought-dead uncle Nikolas), she jumped into the freezing harbor to prove him wrong. [Dec 17, 2019]
Pier 27:
On January 3, 2022, Britt waits for a boat out of town at this pier but she leaves when she hears Josslyn call for help with The Hook attacks her on Pier 55. Later Drew and Carly kiss here.
Pier 47:
The group boards Matt Hunter's charter boat for his party here. [Oct 2011]
Anna thinks Lucy is meeting Victor here for a cruise in the harbor (Lucy is told to be on Pier 55). [Oct 18, 2022]
Pier 50:
Jason and Hamish were supposed to meet an extraction team here but they run into Dante on Pier 55. [Mar 4, 2024]
Pier 52:
A boat explodes as it is pulling into the harbor [Sep 2003]
Caleb Morley murders Alison Barrington. Caleb returns to the Pier along with Rafe Kovich, Jr. and Officer Bud Carlson. Caleb stabs Officer Carlson to death and tries to kidnap Rafe but fails. [Jan 2013]
Todd Manning and Heather Webber hide out at here while waiting for a boat in order to leave Port Charles but before they can, Caleb arrives and stops Heather from leaving with Danny Morgan by choking her neck and throwing her into the harbor, Caleb tries to kidnap Danny but Todd stops Caleb and both Todd and Caleb struggle over the stroller. Caleb threatens Todd to leave but Todd refuses and before Caleb can do anything he hears the police sirens and runs off. After Todd is arrested, Caleb goes back to the Pier where he kidnaps both Sam McCall and Danny. [Feb 2013]
Michael Corinthos and Morgan Corinthos had a fight here and Michael fell in the water. Morgan left him to drown and Michael almost did until Franco saved him. [Nov 2013]
Kiki Jerome is shot in the abdomen by Landon Dixon who is in the middle of a gun deal on the pier. [Feb 2016]
Anna Devane is attacked, knocked out, and locked in a meat locker by Carlos Rivera. Carlos is later stabbed three times with a dagger by Julian Jerome and kicked into the water. [May 2016]
Jordan meets here with Marcus Taggert who was thought to be dead. [Aug 18, 2020]
Julian Jerome holds his "wife" Nelle Benson-Jerome at gunpoint, after she blackmailed him into kidnapping her son. He is attacked by Marcus Taggert, whom he shoots, Nelle gets away, and Julian throws the gun in the harbor before he leaves. Jason Morgan is surprised to find Marcus while following a lead on the kidnapping. [Aug 24, 2020]
Lucy is shot with a rubber bullet by Holly wearing an Anna mask here after Lucy was waiting for Victor to go on a cruise in the harbor. [Oct 18, 2022]
Josslyn is attacked by The Hook here. Britt protects Josslyn and is defended by Dex who shoots the Hook's hand causing her to drop her hook and run off.
Dante discovers Jason and Hamish here. Hamish shoots Dante and Jason kills Hamish.
The "Serenity" leaves the Port Charles Harbor. (1980)
A rental cottage on the Waterfront (1980)
Rick Webber and Monica Quartermaine enjoy a date on the Waterfront (1980)
Alan Quartermaine stalks his wife on the Waterfront (1980)
Robert Scorpio takes corrupt cop Burt Ramsey into custody on the Waterfront (1986)
Port Charles Harbor (1988)
Criminal Nicholas Van Buren's tanker explodes (1989)
Port Authority of Port Charles located on the docks (1991)
Protestors on the docks (1991)
The freighter "E.L.Q. Tracy" arrives in the Port Charles harbor (1991)
The freighter "E.L.Q. Tracy" is sabotaged while pulling in the harbor (1991)
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Jason Morgan finds his nephew Michael Corinthos and brother A.J. Quartermaine on Elm Street Pier
Jason runs into Elizabeth drawing on the pier (1999)
Jason watches Elizabeth draw (1999)
Pregnant Sam McCall and Jason on Elm Street Pier
Sisters Sam and Molly Lansing-Davis on Elm Street Pier (2009)
The Spencers run into Rebecca Shaw (2009)
Run-in between Lucky Spencer and Johnny Zacchara (2010)
Sonny and Luke on the pier at Christmas (2010)
Sonny Corinthos and Jasper Jacks at the docks. (2012)
Shawn Butler and Alexis Davis assist Sonny Corinthos after a bomb explodes at the docks. John McBain watches on. (2012)
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Jason shoots a thug on the pier
Elizabeth Webber goes to Pier 52, to remember Jason (2012)
Lucy Coe, John, and Sam deal with killing "vampire rock star" and John's look-alike Caleb Morley (2013)
Griffin Munro punches Kevin Collins on the docks, in response to Kiki Jerome's death
Sonny, Jason, and Curtis Ashford on Pier 55
Henchman Bryce Henderson and Peter August
Anna Devane shoots Carlos Rivera on Pier 54
Harrison Chase on Pier 55
Lulu Spencer and Rocco Falconeri help Charlotte Cassadine after she is rescued by Dustin Phillips on Pier 17
Drone footage of Lucy Coe's shooting (2022)
Scene of Oz Haggerty's death by hook (2022)
Josslyn Jacks is attacked by The Hook on NYE (2022)
Britt Westbourne contemplates staying in town (2023)
Spencer Cassadine and Trina Robinson watch NYE fireworks with the crowd (2023)
Jason tries to help a shot Dante Falconeri (2024)
EMTs arrive to help Dante (2024)
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Trivia[]
Until the 1990s, the waterfront was filmed on-location, outdoors. An on-stage set was built and used until 2012.
In 2012, the waterfront set underwent renovation, moving away from the use of Elm Street Pier. Now, several differently numbered pier sets are featured.
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