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.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️We were here for a week. The dock and amenities are new, so very nice! The view is wonderful! With the hotel right outside the gates of the marina it is a perfect place to have friends and family visits. -Michael R.
#chicagoboating #lakemichigan
We’ve loved welcoming so many Loopers to Navy Pier Marina this season!⚓
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There’s still time to make Chicago part of your Great Loop journey, and we’d love to have you.
#NavyPierMarina #GreatLoop #ChicagoBoating
🏃 Race weekend starts at Navy Pier!
The Life Time Chicago Half Pre-Race Party takes over Navy Pier today and tomorrow with live music, food, drinks, running gear, and race-day essentials. Stop by for packet pickup and stick around for the party!
September 25 & 26 @ 1PM
#NavyPier #ChicagoHalfMarathon
⚓️ Boat to the Bears for Monday Night Football
The Bears take on the Eagles at Soldier Field on September 28. Dock at Navy Pier Marina and make a night of it on the Chicago lakefront. 🐻🏈
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoBears #ChicagoBoating
🐻 Bears football is back in Chicago
The Bears take on the Vikings for their home opener this Sunday, September 20. Skip the traffic and make Navy Pier Marina your game day home base. Cruise in, dock downtown, and head to Soldier Field from the waterfront. ⚓️🏈
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoBears #ChicagoBoating
Fireworks are back at Navy Pier! 🎆
Chicago Live! Festival will light up the lakefront with a special fireworks display on Saturday, September 19 from 9:45–10:00 PM.
Reserve your slip at Navy Pier Marina and enjoy the show from the water.
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoLive #NavyPier #ChicagoFireworks
Skrillex is taking over Navy Pier for two nights 🎶
September 11 brings a full lineup featuring Dylan Brady, Frost Children, Knock2, Skrillex, slayr & Tiffany Day, followed by Skrillex open to close on September 12.
Make a weekend of it and experience it all from Navy Pier Marina.
#NavyPierMarina #Skrillex #NavyPier
The Great Loop is coming to Chicago! ⚓
Navy Pier Marina is excited to welcome the AGLCA Fleet of 2026 for two Looper Appreciation celebrations on September 10 and September 13.
Join fellow Loopers at the marina for Chicago Italian beef, drinks, great company, and an evening on the waterfront. In-progress Loopers receive first preference, and registration is required in advance.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Navy Pier!
#NavyPierMarina #GreatLoop #AGLCA
