By rssfeeds-admin Navy Pier’s Signature Gala honored former Mayor Richard M. Daley and the six-term mayor’s pivotal role in making Navy Pier what it is today.
“He was determined, as we all know, Mayor Daley’s tenacity, grit and determination led to great things,” President and CEO of Navy Pier Marilynn Gardner said.
Navy Pier first opened to the public in 1916 for shipping and recreation. It also served the military in both World Wars before serving the University of Illinois.
However, it wasn’t long before Navy Pier fell into disuse.
“It was abandoned, basically warehouses that were old sheds and it was on the lakefront, which was the greatest asset in the history of Chicago. So Rich had a vision, and it was controversial to basically redo this and make it a great tourism spot,” Bill Daley, Mayor Daley’s brother and former Secretary of Commerce, said.
Navy Pier, now sporting its makeover as a tourism spot, reopened in the summer of 1995.
“I know that he felt when we reopened the pier that Navy Pier was reclaiming its destiny,” Gardner said.
Navy Pier continues to evolve.
This past summer, the $22 million Navy Pier Marina opened to make downtown Chicago more accessible to boaters from all over the region.
“Even as Richard M. had a vision that has outlived his administration, what we do today will set up posterity to be able to continue to experience the vibrancy of this city,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said.
“My love of Chicago will always continue,” former Mayor Richard M. Daley added.
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