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
Blessing of the Fleet ⚓️
Join us tomorrow, May 22, for the Blessing of the Fleet and celebrate the start of the season on the water.
Enjoy 50% off dockage for the occasion (May 21-23)
Use code BLESSYOU
#BlessingoftheFleet #NavyPier #ChicagoBoating
Stay smart. Stay safe. ⚓️
It’s National Safe Boating Week (May 16–22)—a reminder to gear up, plan ahead, and make safety part of every trip on the water.
We’re proud to support safe boating all season long at Navy Pier Marina.
#SafeBoating #NavyPier #ChicagoBoating
Bruno Mars takes over Soldier Field this Saturday & Sunday—turn your concert plans into a full waterfront getaway.
Dock at Navy Pier Marina and experience Chicago from a whole new angle.
#BrunoMars #ChicagoSummer
Enjoy exclusive Navy Pier perks during your stay.
🎡 20% off the Centennial Ferris Wheel
🍽 20% off Chef Art Smith’s Reunion restaurant
🏨 20% off Sable at Navy Pier hotel
🎭 20% off Chicago Shakespeare Theater
🧒 20% off Chicago Children’s Museum
🍹 20% off Bar Sol restaurant
🌮 20% off Beat Kitchen Cantina
🫑 20% off Chef Ciccio’s
✈️ 10% each ticket at Flyover Chicago
🦋 20% off admissions at The Butterfly House
🍗🍕 20% off Big City Chicken & Frankie’s Pizza by the Slice
🍔 20% off Harry Caray Navy Pier
#NavyPierMarina #NavyPier #ChicagoBoating #LakeMichigan #ChicagoWaterfront VisitChicago
Celebrate Mom by the water 💐⚓️
This Mother’s Day, enjoy 50% off docking at Navy Pier Marina and make it a day to remember with lunch on the pier with exclusive discounts.
Use code MOMSRULE to save.
#MothersDay #NavyPier #ChicagoBoating
Spring is calling 🌊⚓️
Enjoy 25% off dockage at Navy Pier Marina now through May 21!
Plan your next stay on the water and save.
Use code MAY2026 when booking.
#NavyPier #ChicagoBoating #MarinaLife
SAVE this post for May events in Chicago ⬇️
From live concerts to lakefront fireworks, Chicago is just getting started.
🎤 Bruno Mars @ Soldier Field
May 16–17
🎆 Navy Pier Summer Fireworks
Begin May 23 (Wednesdays & Saturdays through Labor Day)
Dock at Navy Pier Marina and experience it all from the heart of Chicago’s waterfront.
#ChicagoWaterfront #ChicagoBoating #ChicagoSummer #NavyPier #VisitChicago
Navy Pier Marina Boat Show is back ⚓
Aug 20–23 — Navy Pier Marina
#ChicagoBoating #NavyPierMarina #navypier
