Sea coasts are complex and ever-changing environments. Given their shallow habitats and proximate relationships to terrestrial landscapes and human occupation, the delicate zone where water and land meet should be approached with particular care. This research proposes an innovative amphibious structure that seeks to restore and encourage coastal biodiversity, rather than inflict further damage after years of industrial development. For this study — which combines environmental goals with a rigorous design investigation — we selected a hard-edged site at the Port of Los Angeles. The site characteristics are typical of many industrial waterfronts found in America’s port cities: a concrete pier that has become obsolete as the scale and technology of shipping have grown larger and more complex. Without limiting our study to a specific building type, our proposal explores the potential of amphibious structures as a uniquely resilient approach to waterfront development that allows an edifice to move with tidal cycles and absorb weather events. Through this inquiry, we envision a future where amphibious structures, designed and built to co-exist with the natural environment, will enable occupants to experience new ways of living and working at the water’s edge at a critical time of increased risk from sea level rise.