Navy Pier Marina Permits Issued Construction Set to Begin this Year
April 30, 2024
Transient marina project receives all permits to commence construction for a 2025 launch
CHICAGO – April 30, 2024 – NPM Venture LLC, operating as Navy Pier Marina (NPM), is pleased to announce the receipt of all permits necessary to allow the construction of the trendsetting Navy Pier Marina to begin this year, in anticipation of operating by summer of 2025.
The final design and construction plans have been approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois EPA, the State Historic Preservation Office, and Chicago’s Department of Transportation, calming the waters for construction of the dedicated transient boat marina this year. The marina is expected to open in the 2025 boating season. When launched, the marina will offer transient mooring to boaters from Chicago, around Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes, as well as those navigating the Great Loop and boating groups planning rendezvous seeking unique and modern mooring facilities in the heart of Chicago.
NPM 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 hourly tie-ups, as well as overnight stays, will be offered by a user-friendly online reservation system. Boaters can plan to moor up with friends and family to eat, catch a ride on the Centennial Wheel, experience Flyover Chicago, the Chicago Children’s Museum, or enjoy the myriad other attractions located on Navy Pier.
“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!” he added.
In its unique location, the privately funded and entrepreneurially operated Navy Pier Marina will offer approximately 6,400 linear feet of broadside (side-tie) mooring for vessels up to 180’ in length with a mix of fixed and floating piers. Amenities will include concierge-quality service, power and water hookups, Wi-Fi, 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, including a pet relief station.
“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.”
Read the full press release here. Follow Navy Pier Marina on Instagram and Facebook.
Navy Pier Marina was designed and engineered by the renowned Edgewater Resources located in St. Joseph, MI.
ABOUT NPM VENTURE
NPM Venture LLC was formed by Chicago native Randy D. Podolsky. Randy has envisioned a recreational marina at Navy Pier, which would allow previously never-allowed incredible waterborne access to the People’s Pier, since he started his boating adventures in 1983. Randy is an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary since 1991 and served as the elected District Commodore of the Ninth District Western Region in 2009 & 2010, overseeing the operations of over 1,100 uniformed volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliary members. To provide financial and physical resources for local Auxiliary units, Randy formed the NFP Waukegan Water Safety Association in 2001. Since 1976, Randy has been an active member of the Chicago-area commercial real estate scene, starting his career at Arthur Rubloff & Co. and from 1979 at Podolsky & Associates in Riverwoods, IL. He has been working on the development of Navy Pier Marina since 2015 and is excited to make this a reality for all recreational boaters interested in an easy-to-reserve transient mooring in the heart of Chicago.
ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming nearly 8 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities, and more. The Pier celebrated its 100ᵗʰ anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion, and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts—including the opening of Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurants and partnerships, and thrilling additions to Pier Park. The Pier is also proud to present free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate, and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.
ABOUT EDGEWATER RESOURCES
Edgewater Resources is a full-service design, planning, and engineering consultancy specializing in marinas and waterfronts across the United States and around the world. Our team provides expertise in coastal and marine engineering, architecture, and landscape architecture, with experience gained through the design of hundreds of marinas.
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Greetings Boating Enthusiasts,
Navy Pier Marina is pleased to host the Chicago International Boat Show at Navy Pier Marina, an in-water boat show, coming August 2025.
"By blending the worlds of boating, luxury, and high-end living, we`re not just creating a boat show—we`re creating an immersive lifestyle experience.”
-Hany Ghabour, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Revel Republic
“Navy Pier Marina offers more than a boat show with direct access to Navy Pier`s countless restaurants, attractions and amenities. This will be an event
for the entire family.”
- Randy Podolsky, Developer of Navy Pier Marina & avid boater
Moor up to the full announcement here.
https://navypiermarina.com/news/revel-republic-expands-in-water-boat-show-series-with-new-chicago-event/
Best,
Randy
Founder & Avid Boater
Navy Pier Marina
Greetings Boating Enthusiasts,
Navy Pier Marina is pleased to host the Chicago International Boat Show at Navy Pier Marina, an in-water boat show, coming August 2025.
"By blending the worlds of boating, luxury, and high-end living, we`re not just creating a boat show—we`re creating an immersive lifestyle experience.”
-Hany Ghabour, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Revel Republic
“Navy Pier Marina offers more than a boat show with direct access to Navy Pier`s countless restaurants, attractions and amenities. This will be an event
for the entire family.”
- Randy Podolsky, Developer of Navy Pier Marina & avid boater
Moor up to the full announcement here.
https://navypiermarina.com/news/revel-republic-expands-in-water-boat-show-series-with-new-chicago-event/
Best,
Randy
Founder & Avid Boater
Navy Pier Marina
Progress Update on Dock #1, the very first dock at the entrance to Navy Pier Marina.
#navypiermarina #navypier #navypierchicago #chicago #lakemichigan #underconstruction #lakemichiganlife #Opening2025 #marinalife #chicagolakefront
Progress Update on Dock #1, the very first dock at the entrance to Navy Pier Marina.
#navypiermarina #navypier #navypierchicago #chicago #lakemichigan #underconstruction #lakemichiganlife #Opening2025 #marinalife #chicagolakefront
Checking Out Construction Progress!
Meet the Team - Left - Mark Stevens, General Manager Navy Pier Marina - Right - Randy Podolsky, Founder & Developer Navy Pier Marina.
Come visit us on the docks in 2025!
#navypiermarina #navypier #navypierchicago #lakemichigan #lakemichiganlife #chicago #chicagolakefront #marinalife #underconstruction #Opening2025
Checking Out Construction Progress!
Meet the Team - Left - Mark Stevens, General Manager Navy Pier Marina - Right - Randy Podolsky, Founder & Developer Navy Pier Marina.
Come visit us on the docks in 2025!
#navypiermarina #navypier #navypierchicago #lakemichigan #lakemichiganlife #chicago #chicagolakefront #marinalife #underconstruction #Opening2025
Greetings, Marina Enthusiasts,
We are pleased to report that construction of Navy Pier Marina has commenced and will proceed throughout the winter. The current schedule projects substantial completion by the end of April 2025. We expect to open soon after.
Concurrent with this milestone, we are building our reservation system for transient, short-term stays and expect to open reservations for the 2025 season after the new year.
If you are a commercial seasonal user, such as a charter, cruise ship, broker, dealer, or boat club, please fill out the form found on our homepage so we can process your request. We can accommodate vessels up to 183’.
I am honored that Mark Stevens, U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer (retired) and marina operations professional, has joined our team as General Manager. You will see updates from Mark in the coming months. When we are ready to hire, he will post an application link on our webpage.
We are very excited to see you on the docks next season!
#navypiermarina #lakemichigan #chicago #navypier
READ ALL ABOUT IT
https://navypiermarina.com/news/navy-pier-marina-breaks-water-construction-commences/
Greetings, Marina Enthusiasts,
We are pleased to report that construction of Navy Pier Marina has commenced and will proceed throughout the winter. The current schedule projects substantial completion by the end of April 2025. We expect to open soon after.
Concurrent with this milestone, we are building our reservation system for transient, short-term stays and expect to open reservations for the 2025 season after the new year.
If you are a commercial seasonal user, such as a charter, cruise ship, broker, dealer, or boat club, please fill out the form found on our homepage so we can process your request. We can accommodate vessels up to 183’.
I am honored that Mark Stevens, U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer (retired) and marina operations professional, has joined our team as General Manager. You will see updates from Mark in the coming months. When we are ready to hire, he will post an application link on our webpage.
We are very excited to see you on the docks next season!
#navypiermarina #lakemichigan #chicago #navypier
READ ALL ABOUT IT
https://navypiermarina.com/news/navy-pier-marina-breaks-water-construction-commences/
I am very excited to share that we have entered into an agreement with the City of Chicago, allowing the long-awaited Navy Pier Marina to be built. We will work hard to construct the transient marina in the coming year, and we anticipate opening by early summer 2025.
We will welcome boaters from Chicago, the Great Lakes, Great Loopers, and boating groups and clubs looking for modern mooring facilities in the heart of Chicago!
Please help us spread the news within the boating community. A description of the marina and its amenities, as well as updates about ongoing construction, the opening date, and how to make reservations, will be posted on our website: www.navypiermarina.com.
We thank Mayor Johnson’s administration for its cooperation and foresight in seeing the many benefits that Navy Pier Marina will bring to Navy Pier, the City of Chicago, and its citizens. We also thank Navy Pier Inc. for its continued collaboration and support for the project.
We will keep you updated as things develop.
Randy
I am very excited to share that we have entered into an agreement with the City of Chicago, allowing the long-awaited Navy Pier Marina to be built. We will work hard to construct the transient marina in the coming year, and we anticipate opening by early summer 2025.
We will welcome boaters from Chicago, the Great Lakes, Great Loopers, and boating groups and clubs looking for modern mooring facilities in the heart of Chicago!
Please help us spread the news within the boating community. A description of the marina and its amenities, as well as updates about ongoing construction, the opening date, and how to make reservations, will be posted on our website: www.navypiermarina.com.
We thank Mayor Johnson’s administration for its cooperation and foresight in seeing the many benefits that Navy Pier Marina will bring to Navy Pier, the City of Chicago, and its citizens. We also thank Navy Pier Inc. for its continued collaboration and support for the project.
We will keep you updated as things develop.
Randy
🚨 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT! 🚨 @wgnnews Chicago aired an investigative report on why Navy Pier Marina has not yet been built. Watch the full story at the link in our bio, and listen to what reporter, @benbradleytv, shared with viewers alike. #NavyPier #NavyPierMarina
DO YOUR PART TO SUPPORT: No need to send money, please just sign our petition. #linkinbio 👈🏽
#navypierchicago #chicagoboatingcommunity #chicagoboaters #lakemichigan #illinoisboating #transientmarinachicago #chicagomarinas
🚨 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT! 🚨 @wgnnews Chicago aired an investigative report on why Navy Pier Marina has not yet been built. Watch the full story at the link in our bio, and listen to what reporter, @benbradleytv, shared with viewers alike. #NavyPier #NavyPierMarina
DO YOUR PART TO SUPPORT: No need to send money, please just sign our petition. #linkinbio 👈🏽
#navypierchicago #chicagoboatingcommunity #chicagoboaters #lakemichigan #illinoisboating #transientmarinachicago #chicagomarinas
🗣 BREAKING NEWS!!
@wgntv Chicago will be airing an investigative report on why #NavyPierMarina has not yet been built.
TUNE IN ➡️ tomorrow, Tuesday, September 27th on the 9pm CST news with @benbradleytv.
SHOW SUPPORT by signing our change.org petition at #linkinbio. — No need to donate money, please just sign up and spread the word!
📧 UPDATES: Sign up for our e-newsletter at navypiermarina.com.
#navypiermarina #navypier #navypierchicago #chicagoboatingcommunity #chicagoboaters #lakemichigan #illinoisboating #transientmarinachicago #chicagomarinas
🗣 BREAKING NEWS!!
@wgntv Chicago will be airing an investigative report on why #NavyPierMarina has not yet been built.
TUNE IN ➡️ tomorrow, Tuesday, September 27th on the 9pm CST news with @benbradleytv.
SHOW SUPPORT by signing our change.org petition at #linkinbio. — No need to donate money, please just sign up and spread the word!
📧 UPDATES: Sign up for our e-newsletter at navypiermarina.com.
#navypiermarina #navypier #navypierchicago #chicagoboatingcommunity #chicagoboaters #lakemichigan #illinoisboating #transientmarinachicago #chicagomarinas
As most of you may know, we have been trying to get Navy Pier Marina built in Chicago. The project started in 2015 and received full City Council approval in 2016. From there, all permits were issued by the US Army Corp and IDNR (plus many other agencies). Then the water purification plant nearby decided they were not in favor of the marina at Navy Pier, and wrongly encouraged CDOT to throw a wrench in the works by not issuing our last ministerial construction permit. It has been a struggle since then, but I WILL NOT GIVE UP!!
In our effort to continue pressing forward with mass support, I created a Change.org petition to raise awareness. #linkinbio
📝 I would be grateful if you could sign up and help me by spreading the word through social and email to anyone you think would be interested.
All #LakeMichiganBoaters should be interested in seeing this recreational transient boat marina come to fruition! 📣
Now...WHO`S WITH ME?!?
#navypiermarina #navypier #navypierchicago #chicagoboatingcommunity #chicagoboaters #lakemichigan #illinoisboating #transientmarinachicago #chicagomarinas
As most of you may know, we have been trying to get Navy Pier Marina built in Chicago. The project started in 2015 and received full City Council approval in 2016. From there, all permits were issued by the US Army Corp and IDNR (plus many other agencies). Then the water purification plant nearby decided they were not in favor of the marina at Navy Pier, and wrongly encouraged CDOT to throw a wrench in the works by not issuing our last ministerial construction permit. It has been a struggle since then, but I WILL NOT GIVE UP!!
In our effort to continue pressing forward with mass support, I created a Change.org petition to raise awareness. #linkinbio
📝 I would be grateful if you could sign up and help me by spreading the word through social and email to anyone you think would be interested.
All #LakeMichiganBoaters should be interested in seeing this recreational transient boat marina come to fruition! 📣
Now...WHO`S WITH ME?!?
#navypiermarina #navypier #navypierchicago #chicagoboatingcommunity #chicagoboaters #lakemichigan #illinoisboating #transientmarinachicago #chicagomarinas
Navy Pier Marina Permits Issued Construction Set to Begin this Year
April 30, 2024
Transient marina project receives all permits to commence construction for a 2025 launch
CHICAGO – April 30, 2024 – NPM Venture LLC, operating as Navy Pier Marina (NPM), is pleased to announce the receipt of all permits necessary to allow the construction of the trendsetting Navy Pier Marina to begin this year, in anticipation of operating by summer of 2025.
The final design and construction plans have been approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois EPA, the State Historic Preservation Office, and Chicago’s Department of Transportation, calming the waters for construction of the dedicated transient boat marina this year. The marina is expected to open in the 2025 boating season. When launched, the marina will offer transient mooring to boaters from Chicago, around Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes, as well as those navigating the Great Loop and boating groups planning rendezvous seeking unique and modern mooring facilities in the heart of Chicago.
NPM 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 hourly tie-ups, as well as overnight stays, will be offered by a user-friendly online reservation system. Boaters can plan to moor up with friends and family to eat, catch a ride on the Centennial Wheel, experience Flyover Chicago, the Chicago Children’s Museum, or enjoy the myriad other attractions located on Navy Pier.
“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!” he added.
In its unique location, the privately funded and entrepreneurially operated Navy Pier Marina will offer approximately 6,400 linear feet of broadside (side-tie) mooring for vessels up to 180’ in length with a mix of fixed and floating piers. Amenities will include concierge-quality service, power and water hookups, Wi-Fi, 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, including a pet relief station.
“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.”
Read the full press release here. Follow Navy Pier Marina on Instagram and Facebook.
Navy Pier Marina was designed and engineered by the renowned Edgewater Resources located in St. Joseph, MI.
ABOUT NPM VENTURE
NPM Venture LLC was formed by Chicago native Randy D. Podolsky. Randy has envisioned a recreational marina at Navy Pier, which would allow previously never-allowed incredible waterborne access to the People’s Pier, since he started his boating adventures in 1983. Randy is an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary since 1991 and served as the elected District Commodore of the Ninth District Western Region in 2009 & 2010, overseeing the operations of over 1,100 uniformed volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliary members. To provide financial and physical resources for local Auxiliary units, Randy formed the NFP Waukegan Water Safety Association in 2001. Since 1976, Randy has been an active member of the Chicago-area commercial real estate scene, starting his career at Arthur Rubloff & Co. and from 1979 at Podolsky & Associates in Riverwoods, IL. He has been working on the development of Navy Pier Marina since 2015 and is excited to make this a reality for all recreational boaters interested in an easy-to-reserve transient mooring in the heart of Chicago.
ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming nearly 8 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities, and more. The Pier celebrated its 100ᵗʰ anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion, and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts—including the opening of Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurants and partnerships, and thrilling additions to Pier Park. The Pier is also proud to present free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate, and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.
ABOUT EDGEWATER RESOURCES
Edgewater Resources is a full-service design, planning, and engineering consultancy specializing in marinas and waterfronts across the United States and around the world. Our team provides expertise in coastal and marine engineering, architecture, and landscape architecture, with experience gained through the design of hundreds of marinas.
