Navy Pier has an answer to anyone asking what next now that unsightly rail lines and parking are hidden under the much acclaimed Millennium Park.
Pier officials say a new “Pierscape” is part of The Centennial Vision: A Framework for Reimagining Navy Pier as the popular Chicago attraction and one-time military site nears its 100th anniversary in 2016.
The chaotic outdoor jumble of signs and walkways that access water activities outside and restaurants and amusements outdoors and inside will have a new, improved look, according to Pier executives.
Expect to see an integrated landscape and streetscape that includes public art, water features and light features.
The designs of five “Pierscape” finalists’ will be aired Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at the Museum of Contemporary Art followed by an exhibition of the designs at several locations and online on Feb. 2.
The main exhibition will be at theChicago Architecture Foundation (CAF), 224 S. Michigan Ave. through mid-May.
Other locations to view the designs are Navy Pier, Center on Halsted, Chicago Cultural Center, DePaul Center, Harold Washington Library Center, IIT - College of Architecture, Richard J. Daley Center and Walter Payton College Preparatory High School.
Finalists’s presentations at MCA are open to the public.Three finalists will present their proposals and answer questions from 6 to 8 p.m., Jan. 31 and two will present from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1. The presentations will be recorded and online at Navy Pier. The team or combination of teams selected is expected to be announced by the end of February.
“We encourage the public to view this exhibition so they can see first-hand the concepts our finalists have produced and welcome their comments and suggestions,” said Navy Pier, Inc. Board Chair Sarah Garvey.
On the drafting board are Gateway Park at the Pier’s west entrance, the Crystal Garden upstairs, Pier Park, the East End Park and the South Dock. In addition, smaller public spaces dotting the Pier are included to fit in with the new look.
“Allowing the public to take part in the process is very important to us,” said Navy Pier Inc. President Marilynn Gardner. “Navy Pier is Chicago’s most popular public destination. We believe that feedback from those who use it and love it is an important part of the selection process.”
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