More Change Planned For the Region’s Number One Tourist Attraction
Jul28

More Change Planned For the Region’s Number One Tourist Attraction

Written By on July 28, 2016 in Proposals, Streeterville, _story

The same people who brought New York its famous High Line have unveiled their latest vision for Navy Pier. As we’ve noted before, renovation and expansion plans for Navy Pier aren’t exactly rare animals.  Sometimes it seems like you can set your clock by the semi-regular parade of proposals that come down the pike and, for the most part, fail to turn into anything real.  But the ‘Pier is getting more serious these...

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The Wheel on the Pier Goes Round and Round
Mar02

The Wheel on the Pier Goes Round and Round

Written By on March 2, 2016 in Construction, Streeterville, _story

There’s snow on the ground, but construction crews at Navy Pier are giving us a taste of summer. You’ll remember that last year the 20-year-old Ferris wheel on Navy Pier was dismantled and shipped off to Branson, Missouri so that a newer, bigger, better, climate-controlled-ier wheel could be erected in its place.  The actual wheel portion was assembled a few weeks ago, and now the cabins are being hung with care....

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Slice of Life: New Navy Pier Ferris Wheel Comes Full Circle
Feb19

Slice of Life: New Navy Pier Ferris Wheel Comes Full Circle

Written By on February 19, 2016 in Construction, slice of life, Streeterville, _story

We told you the story of the New Navy Pier Ferris Wheel back in June. Part of Navy Pier’s $300 million upgrade, the new Ferris Wheel has been slowly coming around, construction-wise, since December. Nearly 50 feet taller than the old wheel that took its last turn in September, the new attraction is expected begin taking Navy Pier visitors for a spin this summer. If, it turns out, you find you prefer the old Ferris Wheel to the...

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The Most Unusual Chicago Building Permit of the Year
Aug17

The Most Unusual Chicago Building Permit of the Year

Written By on August 17, 2015 in Construction, Streeterville, _story

It’s no secret that Navy Pier is going to replace its current Ferris wheel with a bigger, better, more modern wheel. Nevertheless, it’s kind of strange to see it come across your desk in black and white: EXISTING OPEN AIR ASSEMBLY: REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING FERRIS WHEEL, INSTALLATION OF NEW STRUCTURAL SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR FERRIS WHEEL, INSTALLATION OF NEW USER LOADING DECK, INSTALLATION OF NEW CANOPY, AND INSTALLATION OF...

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Navy Pier Ferris Wheel to be Replaced with Bigger, More Modern Version
Jun23

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel to be Replaced with Bigger, More Modern Version

Written By on June 23, 2015 in Proposals, Streeterville, _story

Navy Pier’s Ferris wheel is such a part of the city’s visual identity that it’s hard to believe it’s only been there since 1995.  Now the city has decided 20 years is long enough, and is moving forward with a plan to replace the landmark — and quickly. The wheel that we see today is an homage to the world’s first modern Ferris wheel, erected at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition down the...

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