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Chicago's Navy Pier

Chicago is home to many famous and some infamous, buildings and struc- tures with long and fascinating histories. If, however, you had to choose just one structure that could accurately reflect both the history of Chicago as well as the direction the city is heading, then you need to look no further than Navy Pier. With more than eight million visitors annually, this 79-year-old lakefront landmark continues to be a work in progress. With new attractions added every year, visitors have ample reason to highlight Navy Pier on their calendars for many return engagements.

The foundation work begins on Navy Pier in May, 1914. The pier needed to be designed to withstand the rough Lake Michigan waters. (Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company)

As early as 1770, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable understood the immense benefits of water transportation and foresaw a promising future for any settlement located in what today is called Chicago. Beginning with the settlement of Fort Dearborn, Chicago began to grow and prosper as a central hub in all forms of transportation. The creation of The Illinois and Michigan Canal fostered the arrival of grain and food cargoes; the railroad fostered residential growth and development as cross country trips now took days instead of weeks; and the opening of the Union Stockyards in 1865 provided livestock for transportation throughout the country. By 1909, Chicago's commercial development had grown to huge proportions. Not wanting to further develop lakefront property thereby destroying the natural beauty of the land, Chicago's governing officials followed Daniel Burnham's plan for harbor development in the form of a series of Piers to be built into the lake and used for both commercial and recreational purposes. Designed by Charles Sumner Frost, and originally known as Municipal Pier, Navy Pier was the only Pier to be constructed of the original five presented in Daniel Burnham's plan.

Over 20,000 timber piles were used to support the pier's buildings. (Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company)

Designed for use as a freight, passenger, and recreation facility, Municipal Pier extended 3,000 feet into the lake and was 292 feet wide. A solid foundation was needed to keep the Pier from washing into the lake, as a result of the pounding waves. A concrete slab resting on piles driven 20 to 27 feet down was reinforced with a triple row of piles to support concrete dock walls. Another row of piles was added to hold in the protective fill of clay, rock and sand. The Pier housed a building consisting of three sections. The original western-most building, built of brick and terra cotta was called the Head House, so named for the surrounding land area known as the Headlands. Built in neo-classical style, the ornamentation was designed to be rich in symbolism. Frogs, seahorses, turtles, lilies and cattails were used to enhance the feeling that the Pier was actually an extension of the lakefront. A Native American and sheaf of wheat connected the Pier to Chicago's beginnings. The city seal was used to promote a sense of pride in the residents of Chicago. Towers constructed on each side of the building were used to mask the location of two gravity tanks, each with a 60,000-gallon capacity total, used to feed the fire sprinkler system.

A diver prepares to go underwater to work on the substructure of the pier. Although many advancements had taken place in construction technology, this was still a dangerous part of the job.

The next section consisted of freight and passenger buildings located on each side of the Pier, each measuring 2,340 feet long by 100 feet wide. The first floor of each building was devoted to freight shipments while the second floor was dedicated to passengers and pedestrians. Directly east was located the terminal building, housing offices, restrooms, a first aid station and restaurant.

Looking towards the east is an outside view of the Grand Ballroom and Beer Garden, both popular spots on the pier. The two towers were used during World War 1 as carrier pigeon stations.

Located at the east end of the Pier, the third section housed a half-domed shell, 150 feet by 138 feet with a domed ceiling 100 feet high. Known as the Hall, architects used radial steel trusses shaped in half arches to provide a wide, open area for civic functions or entertaining. Windows located in a 180-degree half-circle enabled a spectacular view of Lake Michigan. Open to the public in 1916, the Pier was a place to go and enjoy the wealth of activity that took place on a daily basis. No one could envision the dramatic changes that would affect Municipal Pier in the years that followed.

A favorite stopping spot for photographs to be taken, an 8-ton anchor from the USS Chicago finds it's final resting place on the east end of Navy Pier, commemorating all those who served their country in the war effort.

By 1917, war had been waging in Europe for almost two years. When the United States declared war on Germany and entered World War I, no better place could have been put to use than Municipal Pier. Used as a training facility for both military and civilian personnel, the Army, Navy and Red Cross made ready to enter the war. Providing more than just personnel training, Municipal Pier's two towers were used as carrier pigeon stations and another area of the Pier served as a detention camp. Following the war, the Pier emerged as a gathering place for the young and old. Peals of laughter and enjoyment could be heard down the Pier as children and adults alike took a ride on the carousel. The first of Chicago's exhibitions took place in 1921. Named the Pageant of Progress, it featured 2,000 exhibits in 17 general categories. Held in the freight and passenger buildings, no one could know this pageant was the predecessor for many exhibitions to come.

Made of granite and inviting lookers-on to partake in the cool waters within, Gateway Fountain uses a variety of water streams to present a spectacular display for Navy Pier visitors.

By the end of the 20s, Municipal Pier began to decline in popularity. Automobiles, movie theatres and radio provided other forms of mobility and entertainment to the population. Movement of goods shifted from water transportation to vehicular. Although Municipal Pier was still a place of recreation, Chicago's residents were spending their free time elsewhere. In 1927, hoping to spark new interest in the Pier's activities, the city council voted unanimously to change the official name to Navy Pier in honor of WWI veterans. How prophetic this name change would be.

(L to R) Marilynn Kelly Gardner, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications; Brian O'Mara, Chief Engineer; and Mike Degnan, Director of Operations, were our gracious hosts for the day.

In 1941, with the beginning of World War II, Navy Pier once again became a training school for naval aviation recruits. No time was lost in providing adequate barracks, hangars, mess hall and drill hall accommodations. Trainees from all over the world arrived at Navy Pier to ready themselves for the war. In the end over 60,000 people were trained here. Many of the fighter planes involved in training accidents off Navy Pier still rest at the bottom of Lake Michigan. Located at the east end of the pier today, an 8-ton anchor from the USS Chicago commemorates those who served in the war and those who trained on the pier.

(L) Mike Stec, Assistant Chief and Brian O'Mara, Chief Engineer, standing in the Family Pavillion with the Food Court, 1st Floor, and Crystal Gardens, 2nd Floor, in the background.

With the end of the war the question now became what to do with the Pier. Although only a temporary answer, it came in the form of the University of Illinois. The recently passed GI Bill initiated a large influx of students, veterans of the war returned home and looking for some direction to their future. Affectionately named "Harvard on the Rocks", U of I began offering a two-year program in October of 1946. Remaining on Navy Pier until 1964 when they moved into their permanent residence, U of I saw more than 100,000 students pass through their classrooms.

As part of the renovation of Navy Pier, the North Service Roadway was added. Widened by 50 feet to accommodate vehicular traffic, parking garages were also added for the increasing number of visitors to the Pier.

As had happened in the past, the following years saw a decline in the popularity of Navy Pier. Buildings fell into disrepair and the nagging question remained, What will the future hold for Navy Pier? The country was readying for its Bicentennial celebration and the Daley administration could think of nowhere better to host its festivities than the Pier. Restoration projects on the auditorium and other buildings began in 1974. Landscaping and solar energy projects continued on into 1975. The Pier provided magnificently for the bicentennial festivities, and once again Navy Pier proved itself to be a feature location for the recreation needs of Chicago's residents. As the Pageant of Progress had proved the Pier to be an excellent host for large exhibitions, so did the first Chicagofest, held at Navy Pier in the summer of 1978. But it also proved a painful point to Pier developers. Straining to meet the demands of the large crowds that ensued, it was evident that major renovations were needed if Navy Pier was to become a premier attraction. But it wasn't until many years later that final plans were made.

Equipment located in Plant 1 include two 100 B/hp Kewanee steam boilers and a 150 B/hp Kewanee steam boiler. Two of these boilers were installed around 1980.

In 1989, with the backing of the new Chicago Mayor, Richard M. Daley, and support from Governor James R. Thompson, the agency in charge of Navy Pier was dissolved and replaced with the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA). Reviewing proposals on the redevelopment of Navy Pier, the MPEA agreed to hire VOA Associates, Inc. of Chicago and Benjamin Thompson & Associates of Massachusetts. Almost immediately problems were encountered. Many years of disrepair had left the Pier's buildings lacking in up-to-date mechanical systems. The city stepped in and shut the Pier down until new sprinkler, alarm, and lighting systems as well as carpeting could be installed. That would be the last time this remarkable recreational facility would be closed to the public. Today, over 50 acres of parks and promenades invite visitors to enjoy any number of entertainment features offered on the Pier.

Three 1,500 gallon glycol storage tanks were installed to create a more efficient manner in which to drain the heat exchangers. Originally drained by hand into 55 gallon drums, this new system has eliminated many of the man-hours needed to accomplish the task.

The Chief Engineer wondered what a "behind-the-scenes" look would be like at a facility as spacious as Navy Pier. We were pleasantly accommodated with a complete tour of the entertainment areas, buildings, and mechanical systems in place. Guided by Chief Engineer Brian O'Mara, Director of Operations Mike Degnan, and Executive Director of Marketing & Communications, Marilynn Kelly Gardner, we were astounded at the amount of equipment needed to keep the Pier functioning on a daily basis. While we expected everything to be located in one central plant, we were surprised to find out that the design of the building did not allow for a central location. After walking from one end of the Pier to the other, it was easy to comprehend why the engineering staff of Navy Pier is in such good physical shape.

The BAC cooling tower located at Navy Pier. Because the Pier never shuts down, the towers must never shut down either. They are cleaned on-line and maintained with chemicals furnished by H-O-H Chemical Company.

As we arrived at Navy Pier we were greeted by a computerized fountain built of black granite in what is known as Gateway Park. Designed by WET Design, three series of jets, totaling 240 in all, spout water over two hundred feet into the air at varying intervals. Unlike most other fountains, Gateway Fountain actually encourages visitors to "play in the water" by locating some of these jets at ground level. Nighttime illumination provides a spectacular scene for all entering Navy Pier. Situated on 19 acres of beautifully landscaped ground with over 40 decorative benches and 526 trees, Gateway Park provides an exceptional area to relax and enjoy the day.

A Leap Frog Fountain designed by Wet Design delights all who visit the striking beauty of the Chrystal Garden.

Our interview began with a short synopsis on the renovation of the Pier beginning with the ground breaking in August, 1992. Although viewed as one entire renovation, this was actually a series of different projects. The $190 million project included widening, reshoring, and demolition of much of the original Pier. Care had to be taken with many of the buildings as landmark status had previously been granted. Terra cotta and other architectural details were restored to their original condition, or made to look like the originals, while the original brickwork was kept in place and incorporated into the "new" Navy Pier. The first leg of the renovation began with the demolition of the original sheds located between the head house and the east end of the Pier. Of major importance to the renovation was the question of which material to use in the re-building process. After much consideration, precast concrete was chosen over steel because of the advantage of long spans and high load capacity. Approximately half of this arrived by barge from Texas via the Mississippi River. The other half was shipped via truck. The north side of the Pier was widened by 50 feet to accommodate automobile traffic. Parking garages were constructed and the "new" Navy Pier was on its way.

The Crystal Garden pump room. Located in the background is the fountain equipment while in the foreground the reflecting pond and chemical treatment equipment stands ready to do its duty.

Mike related that Navy Pier was never shut down while the work was being done, and that presented a big challenge for the engineering staff. Heating, air conditioning and power to the buildings had to be maintained at all times. Construction of a temporary plant was cost-prohibitive so the existing plant was used until the new equipment was put in place. The staff rose to the challenge, and construction proceeded smoothly.

Some of the 36 custom-made animals on the Pier's famous carousel receive a touch-up paint job, preparing them for the up-coming summer season.

Mechanical equipment is actually located in two separate plants, each plant servicing its own section of the Pier. Supplying the Family Pavilion, Food Court and Crystal Gardens, Plant 1 is considered a central heating plant but there is no central cooling system located there. A total of three Scotch marine-type boilers, one 150-HP Kewanee gas-fired hot-water boiler and two 100-HP Kewanee gas-fired steam boilers provide adequate heating for the area. Two of these boilers are actually original equipment installed around 1980. Because they were in excellent working condition, the decision was made to retain and use them. A fourth boiler, a Cleaver Brooks, 150-HP, was added in 1998 as a backup unit. Each boiler is piped to a heat exchanger with a 750 gpm glycol/water design. Glycol originally was hand drained from the system and removed in 55-gallon drums requiring many man-hours of labor. Desiring a more efficient way of accomplishing this task, a drain system consisting of three, 350-gallon glycol tanks was installed. The system is now drained into these tanks, cleaned, and pumped back to the towers.

A photo booth is being installed for patrons as they exit the Ferris Wheel, giving them the opportunity to capture their visit to Navy Pier.

The Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC) has supplied the cooling towers, with a capacity of approximately 1,350 tons of heat rejection. As the Pier never shuts down, the cooling towers must never shut down, either. Because of this 24/7 status, the towers are cleaned while on-line. All chemicals are provided by H-O-H Chemicals, a long-time associate member of the Chief Engineers Association of Chicagoland.

An incredible 16,000 light bulbs rise 148 feet into the air, lighting up Navy Pier's most spectacular attraction, the Ferris Wheel.

Condenser water is supplied to the heat pumps and, additionally, to the four main air handling units located at this end of the Pier. Of the four units, two supply the Crystal Gardens with 390 tons of air conditioning. To supplement this system for the Crystal Gardens, a 400-ton Carrier 19XL centrifugal chiller, using R-134a was installed. This chiller carries its own chilled water pumps, condenser water pumps, and cooling tower. Chilled water is pumped to six air handling units located in the mezzanine of the Crystal Gardens.

The ice rink chiller package consists of the chiller pictured in front and glycol circulating pumps located in the background.

While trying to absorb the massive amount of work this equipment accomplishes, viewing the Family Pavilion and Crystal Gardens area put it in perspective. Housed within the Pavilion is the Children's Theatre, comprised of three levels and a total of 57,000 square feet of space. Playing host to over 500,000 visitors a year, the mechanical equipment is put to the max ensuring that everyone is comfortable and enjoying their visit. Also located here is the Imax Theatre. Housing 440 seats in front of a big screen measuring sixty by eighty feet, a 70 millimeter projector weighing in at close to one ton entertains hundreds of thousands of people each year. Coupled with a state-of-the-art sound system, the Imax Theatre creates a 3-D real-life experience that will not soon be forgotten by all who experience it. Once the unforgiving Chicago weather sets in, over 50 vendors move their wares located on Dock Street indoors to the Pavilion area. This ability has enabled Navy Pier to be enjoyed year-round rather than seasonally as in the past.

A temporary ice rink installed on the Skyline Stage provides entertainment during the winter months when most activities move indoors.

Although a little chilly and overcast the day of our visit, we continued our tour of Navy Pier outside. Our first stop after the Crystal Gardens brought us to yet another piece of history located on the Pier. Much the same as the children who enjoyed the carousel in the early years of the Pier, a musical carousel was designed specifically for the Navy Pier of today. Featuring 36 custom-made animals and 4 benches, visitors can enjoy a relaxing ride while viewig scenic pictures of the Pier's history.

Pete Bormet demonstrates the Zamboni. The entire engineering department is trained in the operation of the Zamboni so the ice can be kept fresh at all times.

Next to the carousel is probably the Pier's most noticeable, and notable, attraction. Illuminated by 16,000 light bulbs, the Ferris Wheel rises an incredible 148 feet in the air. Weighing in at 600 tons, 40 gondolas with a six passenger capacity each provide 240 riders per hour with a spectacular view of the city to one side and Lake Michigan to the other. Resting on a 200,000 pound base and revolving on a 17,000-pound axle, it takes eight electric motors to turn the wheel. In the event of an emergency, the wheel is perfectly balanced, enabling human intervention to turn the wheel with a winch. Safety is a critical part of the engineering staff's daily duties. During the summer months when all the attractions are running, they each receive a safety check on a daily basis. A more comprehensive check is performed at least once a week. Specific to the ferris wheel is the grease analysis done on the bearings. Brian told us they never want to have to change a bearing. That means taking the entire ferris wheel totally apart, a task none of them want to undertake. Marilynn added that for this reason Brian is not just a chief engineer but a "jack-of-many-trades". His duties are many and varied and you never know what he will be called to do. Brian piped in that not just he but his entire staff must be able to think on their feet ? they "do it all".

A Kewanee 400 B/hp boiler is located in Plant 1 and services the west end of the Pier.

In the fall of 1993, the MPEA decided to add an outdoor theatre to the already existing attractions at Navy Pier. Created in an open-air style, the Skyline Stage was constructed of steel framing rising 75 feet high and covered with white, teflon-coated fiberglass. Fashioned after a similar tent-like structure in Australia that was used for the Olympics, this two-ton roof bears a life expectancy of 25 years and is kept in place with a series of steel cables connected to columns outside of the tent. A seating capacity of 1,500 allows a great view of the stage area from any seat in the house. The stage is cooled via a 60-ton Carrier package unit. For those cool spring and fall productions, the seating area floors are warmed with a radiant heating system. A 120 KW Lochinvar electric boiler provides heated glycol/water pumped through a series of rubber tubing placed in the floor, keeping Skyline patrons comfortable while they enjoy one of the many fine productions scheduled. In the winter, when it's too cold to be sitting outdoors for shows, a visitor may want to try their hands at ice skating. Located temporarily on the Skyline Stage, an outdoor ice rink with ice approximately 4 inches thick invites all to partake in the graceful art of ice skating. The Zamboni, purchased by Navy Pier in 1980, is used to keep the ice smooth and fresh for all. Each member of the engineering staff is proficient in running the Zamboni because they never know who will be on staff when it is needed. Operating as a stage from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Skyline doesn't stop there. As Mike told us, "You can't stop. If you are in the entertainment business you have to have something all the time. You don't want people to forget about you". For that reason the Skyline Stage becomes Chicago's most "haunted house" during the Halloween observation, and a magnificent "Winter Wonderland" around Christmas when over 150 Christmas trees are brought in and decorated in a most lavish style. "There is something going on every day. There is no such thing as a slow season," Mike added.

A Carrier 1,350 ton chiller circulates approximately 4,200 gallons of water per minute throughout the facility.

Finally reaching Plant 2, we had the opportunity to view the mechanical equipment located at the east end of the Pier. Located in the boiler room, two 600HP and one 400HP Kewanee gas-fired, Scotch-Marine type hot water boilers feed Festival Hall, the Riva Restaurant and the East End buildings. The building automation system, a Barber Coleman Network 8000, now known as Invensys, is located in the chiller room. From here much of the HVAC equipment can be controlled, initiating the start/stop of the boilers, pumps, condensers, and fans. A user-friendly screen interface shows input and output temps, and allows Brian to make any necessary changes to the setpoints previously entered.

Looking east down Navy Pier an impressive view of the newly opened Shakespeare Theatre. Live productions of contemporary Shakespeare delight audiences.

When time came for cooling towers to be added, Navy Pier needed to employ their own unique arrangement to the situation. Instead of one rooftop unit, building architecture determined that two separate, non-interconnected towers needed to be installed. While one tower supplies RM-6, the other tower supplies RM-3, RM-4 and RM-5. Three, 1350-ton Carrier centrifugal water chillers using R-134a refrigerant circulate approximately 4,200 gallons of chilled water per minute to the facility. An additional 600-ton Trane chiller using R-123a refrigerant was added in 1999 with the opening of the Shakespeare Theatre. One original pump room remains in use today, housing one chilled, one hot and one dual purpose pump. Also located in Plant 2 is a Cummins diesel generator used for emergency lighting and elevators in the event of a power failure. The generator is tested once a week to ensure that it is in good working order.

A 500 kW Cummins diesel generator stands by ready to supply emergency power in the event of an outage.

As the Pageant of Progress had proved in the past, Navy Pier was an excellent location for exhibitions of all types. Today, none of these is more attended than the annual Plant and Flower show held in Festival Hall. Occupying 170,000 square feet of space, Festival Hall is particularly suited for those events too large for a hotel but too small for McCormick Place. At the time of our visit, the Plant and Flower show was being moved out and the hall made ready for the next event. It was evident with the haze of dirt in the air that the five direct drive exhaust fans used for the hall were giving it their all to keep this room clear. In the chilly weather, three of the main air handlers run continuously to keep the hall heated and comfortable for vendors and visitors alike. With a 60-foot ceiling height, floor space 810 feet long and 210 feet wide, 35 meeting rooms, and 10 truck docks, Festival Hall is prepared to handle anything that comes within or outside of the veranda and the existing veranda was transformed into an inside balcony. The old window frames are still located where they once stood, giving the appearance of looking in over the ballroom floor from the outside. The 80-foot high ceiling outlined in tivoli lights coupled with a breathtaking 180 degree view of Lake Michigan makes the Grand Ballroom the perfect setting for any occasion. Over 180 fan coils, 30 unit heaters and 1,500 feet of fin tube work together to provide proper ventilation when needed and make up for heat loss through windows, doorways, and outside walls.

A view of the second floor balcony overlooking the Grand Ballroom floor shows the original outside windows still in place. One gets the impression of being on the outside looking in while enjoying the comfort of a controlled environment.

You may ask what else could this staff possibly be accountable for? Well, there is actually a lot more. Recently added attractions include "The Links at Navy Pier", an 18-hole miniature golf course; "The Wave Swinger", an old-fashioned swing ride standing just under 40 feet tall, spinning 48 seats lifting guests fourteen feet in the air; "Amazing Chicago" takes visitors on a full sensory trip of Chicago, showing them some of Chicago's more famous landmarks; "The Time Escape" allows visitors to travel through Chicago's past, present, and a future Chicago in the year 2333; and perhaps the most stunning exhibit, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. Displayed in a series of galleries extending 800 feet long, original pieces of stained glass from 1870 to present showcase the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan and Louis Comfort Tiffany, to name a few.

Part of the stained glass collection housed at Navy Pier, the Seated Woman in a Garden, circa 1900 is an example of the fine cultural experience available at Navy Pier.

The Engineering Department of Navy Pier is staffed by the following: Chief Engineer Brian O'Mara, Asst. Chief Engineer Mike Stec, Operating Engineers Ted Basiorka, Danny Griffin, Jesse Guerrero, Rick Kasper, Mike Madden, Larry O'Connor, Marty Quilty, and Joe Sanchez, Equipment Mechanic Pete Bormet and Engineer Trainee Marty Heneghan. The staff is also supplemented by equipment mechanics, engineer technicians and superintendents primarily employed at the McCormick Place complex.

Brian has been Chief Engineer at the Pier since 1990. Employed at another facility prior to 1990, Brian was brought over as a crew was being established for the "new" Pier. He has had the opportunity to see the complete project from the beginning. We would like to say "to the end" but for a venue that never stops changing there doesn't appear to be an end in sight. When not at the Pier working, Brian enjoys working in his yard or boating in Door County. He lives in Buffalo Grove with his wife, Debbie.

Mike Degnan, Director of Operations, has been employed at the Pier since August, 1994. Mike oversees the trades that are responsible for the maintenance and support of all the events taking place. A complement of electricians, plumbers, sprinkler fitters, painters, carpenters and tuckpointers on staff comprise a staff of 40-50 fulltime tradesmen. When not at work, Mike enjoys working around the house and likes to golf. Recently married, he enjoys time with his wife, Amy, and daughter, Alexis Ann.

A stained glass window, circa 1890, takes its proud place among the magnificent collection presented at Navy Pier.

Marilynn Kelly Gardner, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, oversees the total marketing package of Navy Pier. Her daily duties include overseeing sponsorship, tourism, group sales, advertising, creative design and public relations for the Pier. She will have been employed eight years at the Pier in October of 2002.

As you may have well guessed, working at Navy Pier is anything but a typical 40 hour work week. It brought to mind a quote from Daniel Burnham's design philosophy: "Make no little plans?aim high in hope and work remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing." Navy Pier has become that living thing ? A Work in Progress.

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