Following two years of gathering permits, work is underway to expand a well-known local restaurant.

McSeagull's Restaurant has started work on a new deck; the project will be ready for the first throng of summer tourists.

The new deck will feature between 40 and 50 seats and an outdoor bar. It will wrap around the restaurant's dining room and overlook the harbor.

Being able to make the most out of the summer season will help McSeagull's throughout the year, which was a big driving force behind the expansion, part-owner Ralph Smith said.

“If we increase seating we can increase the number of jobs and our revenue,” he said. “If we make more money we can keep staying open during the winter.”

The new deck is approximately 75 percent completed with the deck already installed and the railing waiting to be constructed.

The deck isn't the only construction happening on the pier; Pier 1 itself is undergoing routine renovations. The core of the pier is receiving new pilings. Pilings are replaced when needed and have a lifespan of approximately 20 years. Cars are not allowed to be parked on the pier while it is undergoing renovations.

Ben Bulkeley can be reached at 207-633-4620 or bbulkeley@boothbayregister.com. Follow him on Twitter: @BBRegisterBen.