In case you need another reason to visit Chicago — you know, besides the baseball, deep-dish pizza, and amazing architecture — the city is expanding its waterfront area, adding cool features like floating gardens, space for recreational activities, and access to many of Chi-town’s famous landmarks.

The new plans will compliment the riverwalk’s first phase, completed in 2009. The second phase of the project has been under deliberation due to funding, but it’s finally happening. The formidable design team, announced a couple weeks ago, includes Sasaki Associates, Alfred Benesch & Co., Ross Barney Architects, and Jacobs/Ryan Associates. Their concept: to provide the kind of swimmable, fishable setting found in quieter river locales in the heart of a bustling city. Intrigued? Click through for a visual tour!

First stop on the new and improved riverfront: The Jetty, which will offer a serene setting of fishing piers and floating gardens.

The next block of the river will be the Swimming Hole, where children can play in the fountain during those humid summer months.

Next up: Take a seat and enjoy the scenery in The River Theater, which will link the waterfront area to the upper main street side of Wacker Drive. Photo via The Huffington Post

Further along the riverfront, the Cove will offer more recreational activities, including kayaking and motorized boating!

After all of that fun, a welcoming assembly of restaurants and alternative seating will await you at the Marina.

Images: courtesy of Sasaki Associates

by Rebecca Fleischer

posted in Uncategorized

tagged Alfred Benesch & Co., Chicago, Chicago River, Jacobs/Ryan Associates, Riverwalk, Ross Barney Architects, Sasaki Associates, waterfront

more articles by Rebecca Fleischer