Navy Pier looks to redesign its east end facilities with a call for developer ideas

Navy Pier is seeking a developer to redesign — and potentially operate — its eastern facilities, a move that could further transform a wide swath of the state’s top tourist attraction when combined with the recently opened marina.

The nonprofit, Navy Pier Inc., that operates and maintains the pier is looking for a developer, or development team, to propose a new concept that will "boldly revitalize the spaces” situated on the pier’s east end and undertake “the development and operation” of the facilities, according to a request for concepts issued last month.

The request is broad because it’s an early stage document seeking ideas, compared to a request for proposals that would outline an owner or operator's criteria and bid details. Navy Pier will issue a request for proposals after concepts have been submitted, according to the plan.

"This opportunity marks a defining chapter in the evolution of ‘The People’s Pier,’ offering a once-in-a-generation invitation to make an incredible mark on one of the world’s most visited and beloved public spaces," Nay Pier said in a statement. "Based on preliminary interest, we are thoughtfully aligning timelines to ensure we cast the widest net possible for this rare opportunity and allow ample time for interested parties to convene the right teams."

The proposal would transform facilities that include Festival Hall, the Terminal Building, the Shelter Building and adjoining beer gardens and the Aon Grand Ballroom.

The three structures, excluding Festival Hall, were part of the pier’s original construction in 1915. Festival Hall and its adjacent structures were added in the 1990s, as part of the pier’s redevelopment.

Aside from the Sable Hotel and Offshore Rooftop, Navy Pier said there have been no major investments to improve the east end facilities, and “all appear and function in largely the same ways as they did when the Pier reopened in the mid-1990s,” according to the request.

“This request is the next phase of [Navy Pier Inc.]’s efforts to redevelop Navy Pier so that the entirety of the 109-year old facility continues to thrive as a vibrant, impactful, and welcoming place for millions of guests every year,” the document said.

Developers can submit concepts for two scenarios.

Scenario A includes Festival Hall and its adjoining front- and back-of-house spaces, which could include kitchen space and loading dock bays.

Scenario B is wider in scope, including all the spaces in scenario A plus 40,000 square feet of space adjacent to Festival Hall; two floors of the pier’s Terminal and Shelter buildings; outdoor beer gardens adjacent and 60,000 square feet of the Aon Grand Ballroom.

Submissions are due Nov. 3, though interested parties can submit questions regarding the request before submitting their final proposal.

In March, the privately funded Navy Pier Marina opened on the north side of the pier. The project was stalled for years after former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration refused to issue a permit for the marina, citing security risks to the nearby Jardine Water Filtration Plant.

Demand at the marina has already proven to be strong, with waiting lists for the slip during the Air and Water Show and Chicago International Boat Show weekends.

Navy Pier boasted more than 8.5 million visitors in 2024. Its operating expenses for the year totaled $65.9 million, with $16.5 million stemming from “east end operations,” according to its annual report. Annual revenue last year was $70.9 million.

This story has been updated with a comment from Navy Pier.