The Chicago Gateway Harbor is one of two new harbors designed for the Chicago Park District along Chicago’s lakeshore. Located at the very heart of downtown, Gateway Harbor lies between the Chicago River and Navy Pier. Of the 240 slips created by the marina, 160 will be set aside for transient boaters visiting Chicago from around the Great Lakes and around the world, making Gateway Harbor the front door of Chicago’s waterfront.

The harbor’s 2,000 foot long main pier will incorporate Dime Pier, a dilapidated remnant structure constructed at the turn of the last century, named in the 1930’s as fisherman paid a dime for the short boat ride out to the pier and the best fishing in Chicago. Gateway Harbor will recreate this public access, incorporating a series of experimental underwater fish habitat structures along the east end of the pier and a stretch of terraces for not only boat access but a viewing platform for the lake and periodic firework events. Once there, visitors will also enjoy extraordinary views of the Chicago skyline.

The marina itself will provide the highest quality boater amenities in keeping with the best international marinas. Slips ranging from 40’ to 90’ will be provided, along with two piers designed for superyachts up to 200’ in length. Dedicated boater facilities will include a marina store, showers, laundry, and crew lounge housed in a LEED Certified structure, along with a first quality restaurant overlooking the marina and Navy Pier.

Tim Anderson, Herb Kindsfater and Suzanne Serna, oversaw, designed and developed implementation drawings while at AECOM.

Project work in collaboration with Michelle Inouye.  Design in collaboration with Kyle Hebel.