Boaters on Lake Michigan and in the Chicago area will appreciate knowing the new Navy Pier Marina will soon be under construction and should be available for occupancy by the summer of 2025, according to NPM Venture LLC. This marks a landmark development in the Chicago area, which has long been a popular nexus for boats transiting the Great Lakes. Lake Michigan is part of the waterway connecting the Gulf of Mexico with the Atlantic Ocean via the Mississippi River on the American Great Loop.
Large infrastructure developments such as this require a long period of planning, design and permit approvals from local, state and federal authorities to ensure the safety of structures and local flora and fauna before the go-ahead can be granted for construction. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, State Historic Preservation Office and Chicago Department of Transportation have approved the construction plans.
“We are very excited to bring this first-ever marina to Navy Pier,” said Randy D. Podolsky, developer of Navy Pier Marina. “The marina brings water access to the iconic Navy Pier and the city’s core to boaters from a lake approach. Until now, Navy Pier has been inaccessible to waterborne tourists desiring access to everything the Pier has to offer. We are eagerly anticipating our marina launching a new era of maritime enjoyment for local and visiting yachtspersons alike.”
Future customers can expect a wide assortment of opportunities for boating and other aquatic pastimes, such as fishing, diving and sailing within the marina area. If you are visiting Chicago far from your own vessel, hop on a Shoreline Sightseeing charter boat or the Chicago 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour to take in the long, fascinating line of skyscrapers lining the city channel.
Nearby attractions include the Centennial Wheel, Flyover Chicago, Chicago Children’s Museum and even Chicago Pizza Tours to see the city “one slice at a time.” The tour takes you by bus to several Chicago restaurants known for particularly excellent pizza. Earthen ovens, chewy crusts, and exotic spices and cheeses all contribute to Chicago’s reputation as a prime center of highly evolved pizza.
Most important to boaters, of course, is having access to a broad range of services and vendors, including haul-out facilities, chandleries, vessel repair specialists, diesel mechanics and marine electronics technicians, who will be within easy reach in the marina area.
“The addition of a full-service marina means a whole new way to experience all Navy Pier has to offer,” said Marilynn Gardner, president and CEO of Navy Pier. “We can’t wait to open our doors to boaters from all over Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes and provide them with the unique opportunity to discover the wonderful restaurants, shops, attractions and programs that make this lakefront treasure so special.”