Big Changes, Including Raised Walkway Over Lake Michigan, Proposed for Chicago's Navy Pier

The proposed changes are part of a grander plan to redevelop the park and attract more visitors

Navy Pier’s big new Ferris Wheel isn’t the only massive change planned for the iconic attraction celebrating its 100th birthday.

Pier officials revealed Tuesday a proposal for a number of major upgrades for the site including an elevated walkway that extends over Lake Michigan, a rooftop bar, a pool of sorts and even a “concert lawn.” 

The proposed changes are part of a grander plan to redevelop the park and attract more visitors. 

Among the newly proposed ideas, was what officials called a “Lake Overlook,” or a raised walkway that would sit over the edge of the pier and continue into Lake Michigan. Near the overlook would also be a so-called “Lake Mirror,” or a shallow pool.

In addition, plans for a new hotel at the pier were also announced. The hotel would be housed near the Festival Hall, by the pier’s southern dock.

A proposed rooftop bar would top the building connected the pier’s Grand Ballroom and a new 4,000-square-foot café and pavilion will round out the west end by the new Polk Bros. Park, which when finished will feature a lawn for concert-watching not unlike one at the city's Millennium Park.

The plans remain in the early stages, however, and still require city approval along with private donors to fund some of the ideas. 

This year marks the pier’s 100th birthday, a milestone that has been met with big changes, including the addition of the new Centennial Wheel. The pier has also debuted an outdoor rock climbing wall and outdoor ice skating rink.

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