Wanted: Navy Pier Designers

Navy Pier officials are looking internationally for designers to propose plans for outdoor public spaces

In hopes of bringing the best to Chicago’s lakefront, Navy Pier officials are looking across the globe for architects and designers to revamp the pier's outdoor public spaces.

The process includes a public showcase of five finalist proposals and the selection of a winning team in early 2012.

It's all part of a $155 million plan approved in June to renovate the 95-year-old icon.

"Navy Pier provides a truly unique opportunity for a design team or teams to have a profound impact on one of the most iconic, visible public spaces in Chicago and a central piece of our city's fabric," said Sarah Garvey, chair of the board, in a statement.

Areas up for grabs to be renovated and redesigned by the chosen team of architects include the west entrance of the pier, Crystal Garden, Pier Park, the east end of the park and the South Dock.

All submissions must be in by Oct. 6. Navy Pier officials expect to narrow the teams down to 10 by Oct. 20 and then have the final five finalists by Nov. 22, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Finalists will each receive a $50,000 stipend to prepare designs due on Jan. 24. An exhibition of the designs will open Feb. 2. The public will have the chance to view the proposals before the announcement of the winning team on Feb. 14.

Information for designs firms interested in participating is on navypiervision.com/rfp.

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