Navy Pier marina project finally has greenlight

Seven years after the Chicago City Council first approved plans for a marina next to Navy Pier, the long-stalled project has now been greenlighted to break ground in the coming months, with a 2025 launch expected.

“I couldn’t be happier,” said developer Randy Podolsky. “I’ve been working on this project since 2016. It was approved by city council then but went sideways for a few years as the city reneged on its approval - resulting in me having to sue. Unfortunate, and yet I persevered. All I ever wanted was to bring an exciting improvement to the City that nurtured me to (physical) adulthood (debatable if I ever really grew up!).”  

Anticipating its opening by early summer 2025, the marina will offer transient (no permanent slips) mooring to boaters from Chicago, the Great Lakes, navigating the Great Loop and boating groups who are looking for unique modern mooring facilities in the heart of Chicago. Navy Pier Marina Venture intends to offer limited space for fishing, sailing and diving charters as well as potential seasonal mooring for boat clubs and other recreational boating commercial uses. Lunch and dinner stops, as well as overnight stays, will be offered by reservation upon opening of the marina. Boaters will also be able to moor up to catch a game of mini-golf or visit the many other attractions on Navy Pier.

“We are thrilled that construction of Navy Pier Marina is back on track with the support of Navy Pier and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration,” said Randy D. Podolsky, developer and manager of Navy Pier Marina. “The Marina is a catalyst for positive change for Chicago and its citizens as it brings the central core of the city closer to the Lakefront. Navy Pier is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the central United States, but the lack of a functioning Marina has prevented waterborne tourists from accessing and enjoying what it has to offer. We are eagerly anticipating the finalization of our plans to usher in a new era of maritime enjoyment for locals and tourists alike!”

In its unique location, Navy Pier Marina will provide direct access to Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier, downtown amenities and cultural attractions, and will offer approximately 6,400 linear feet of broadside (side-tie) mooring for vessels up to 130’ in length with a mix of fixed and floating piers. Amenities will include power and water hookups, pump-out service and a boater’s amenity facility equipped with restrooms, showers, a lounge and a ship’s store. The Marina will also host a bicycle repair station and a pet-friendly environment. There will be space for as many as 150 boats as well as support services and is meant to make downtown Chicago more accessible to boaters from all over the region.

“Adding a public marina facility has always been a long-term goal for Navy Pier,” said Marilyn Gardner, President and CEO of Navy Pier, Inc. “We look forward to clearing the final approvals and beginning construction. It will be another jewel in our crown.”

Updates concerning construction, marina amenities, the opening date and marina reservations will be posted periodically on the NPM’s website at navypiermarina.com.

(Chicago Star first reported on this in 2020- read article here.)