Navy Pier Marina: How Chicago Politics Delayed Construction for 8 Years, 3 Mayors
November 14, 2024
As first published by Ben Bradley for WGN TV
Construction finally began this week on a long-stalled marina adjacent to Navy Pier, and the developer said he hopes boaters will be able to tie up beginning late next spring.
Eight years ago, Randy Podolsky thought it would be smooth sailing for his plan for a 150-boat transient marina next to Navy Pier. Then Chicago politics got in the way.
“You know, that vision of bringing the lakefront to Chicago boaters and to boaters around Lake Michigan and beyond, that was always the dream. That was always the vision,” Podolsky recently told WGN. “This is what it means today to have stuck it out.”
Local and state regulators, including then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Army Corps of Engineers, signed off on the project years ago. But before the first pylon could be drilled, Lori Lightfoot took office as mayor. Her administration tried to kill the plan, claiming it would be a security risk to the Jardine Water Purification Plant.
The plant is directly across from the marina.
“The only reason this is not moving forward is Mayor Lightfoot,” Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) told WGN in 2022. “The irony here is that if we were to install this marina it would make the north pier even more safe than it is today. There’s nothing to stop you from driving a boat through there right now.”
The marina developer sued, claiming Lightfoot’s administration “exceeded their authority” in denying to issue his building permit. Mayor Brandon Johnson lifted the brick on the project and withdrew the city’s opposition after he took office in 2023.
Work is now underway on the privately-funded effort and will continue through the winter with the goal of not missing another boating season.
“Nothing should be this hard. The community wants this. Navy Pier wants this. The politicians who were difficult to work with along the way all say they wanted it. It’s the reality of life, It should never have been this hard,” Podolsky said.
RECENT NEWS
LATEST POSTS
⛵ SAIL & SIP on Lake Michigan! 🍹
We love seeing our Navy Pier Marina partners come together to create unforgettable experiences on the Chicago waterfront!
Our Pier Partner, Reunion, and Navy Pier Marina resident charter operator Come Sailing are teaming up for Sail & Sip aboard City Cat — a premium catamaran experience combining incredible Chicago views, great food, drinks, and an afternoon on Lake Michigan.
⚓ 2-Hour Catamaran Cruise
🍹 Open Bar
🍴 Light Bites
🌆 Unbeatable Chicago Skyline Views
📍 Departing from Navy Pier Marina
September 13 or September 20
Cruises: 1–3 PM or 3:30–5:30 PM
🎟️ $200 per person | Only 44 spots available
We’re proud to have City Cat call Navy Pier Marina home and excited to see two of our waterfront partners collaborating on such a great Chicago experience.
Good drinks. Great company. Best views in Chicago. ⚓🥂
Scan the QR code in the flyer to reserve your spot or follow this link - https://www.toasttab.com/catering/chefartsmithreunion.com/menu/reunion%20x%20city%20cat%20boat%20ride/?mode=fulfillment
#NavyPierMarina #SailAndSip #ComeSailing #ReunionChicago #LakeMichigan #ChicagoBoating #ChicagoWaterfront #NavyPier #ChicagoSummer #CatamaranCruise
Superyacht in Chicago 🛥️
You never know what’s going to pull into Navy Pier Marina. One of our favorite sights from earlier this summer.
#superyacht #chicago #navypiermarina
What a weekend on the Chicago waterfront.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Skyline Social at Navy Pier Marina. Incredible yachts, great music, beautiful weather, and one of the best backdrops in the city.
#chicagoboating #lakemichigan #yachts
What a spectacular Chicago Air & Water Show weekend at Navy Pier Marina! 🌇⚓️✈️
A huge thank you to @weberyachts for hosting an incredible event filled with good food, great company, and an unbeatable Chicago backdrop.
#chicagoairandwatershow #afthunderbirds @afthunderbirds
Change of plans at Navy Pier Marina!
While plans for the weekend at Navy Pier have shifted, we’re keeping the excitement going. Join us August 21 & 22 from 4:00–9:00 PM for two elegant summer evenings on the waterfront featuring an exclusive collection of luxury yachts, live music, cocktails and waterfront hospitality—all set against the unmatched backdrop of the Chicago skyline.
SKYLINE SOCIAL @ NAVY PIER MARINA
📅 August 21 & 22
⏰ 4:00–9:00 PM
📍 Navy Pier Marina – 797 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Guests will have the opportunity to explore an impressive collection of yachts presented by local dealers and brokers, including:
Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales
Bay Marine
Weber Yachts
Spring Brook Marine
Basa`s Marine
Yachts • Music • Cocktails • Chicago Skyline
Transient dockage is also available for boaters who want to arrive by water and make a weekend of it.
https://navypiermarina.com/transient-boater-reservations/ #NavyPierMarina #NavyPier #MarinaLife #BoatLife #LakeMichigan #jeffersonbeachyachtsales #baymarine #weberyachts #springbrookmarine #basasmarine
TODAY IS THE DAY! ✈️🛥️🐷
Come dock with us, enjoy the Chicago Air & Water Show, and stick around for the afterparty at Navy Pier Marina!
🔥 Pig Roast TODAY | 5–7 PM
Courtesy of Weber Yachts & Weber Aviation
After an incredible day watching the Air Show, head back to the marina for great food, great company, and one of the best waterfront views in Chicago.
Whether you`re spending the day with us or stopping by after the show, we`d love to see you!
📍 Navy Pier Marina
📅 Saturday, August 15
⏰ Pig Roast: 5–7 PM
Come for the Air Show. Stay for the Pig Roast. See you on the docks!
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoAirAndWaterShow #ChicagoBoating #WeberYachts #WeberAviation #NavyPier #ChicagoWaterfront #BoatingChicago
Navy Pier Marina is sold out Friday through Sunday for the Chicago Air & Water Show.
Still hoping to spend the weekend with us? Join our waitlist. If a slip becomes available, we`ll contact guests in the order requests are received.
Thank you to everyone making Navy Pier Marina part of Air Show Weekend—we can`t wait to see you on the docks!
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoAirAndWaterShow #LakeMichigan
Arrive tonight and enjoy an evening on the lakefront with Wednesday Night Fireworks and FREE rides on the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier. 🎆🎡
Wake up Thursday morning at the marina and catch the Air & Water Show practice from one of the best seats in Chicago.
Summer doesn`t get much better than this. Use code AIRSHOW2026 when booking at NPM.
#NavyPierMarina #NavyPier #ChicagoSummer #Fireworks #LakeLife
