Chicago Riverwalk opened from State Street to Clark Street
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A new part of the Chicago Riverwalk, from State Street to Clark Street, opened Saturday.
Back 140 years ago - when the river was grimy freight artery filled with boats and swing bridges - who would have imagined this. A river walk where you might sit on a teakwood bench, listen to music, sip a cup of coffee or glass of wine and contemplate life.
"As people's attitudes have changed, we were fortunate enough to start these blocks, so they're very much about touching the river," said Carol Ross Barney, Ross Barney Architects.
Ross Barney has been a big part of the vision behind the city's Riverwalk project, which she calls Chicago's next great civic space. Two blocks of the Riverwalk - from State to Clark - will open Saturday, though Friday there was clearly work to be done.
The space from State to Dearborn is called the Marina - where motorboats can tie up. From Dearborn to Clark is called the Cove - a welcome spot for canoeists or kayakers.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel did a brief walk-through Friday afternoon. When this is all finished in 2016, the Riverwalk will run from Michigan Avenue to Lake Street. And when you walk it, under each bridge, there is a mirrored canopy above.
"And now we're going to open a part of the city that's been closed for decades and generations," Emanuel said.
The project is being financed by a $90 million-plus federal grant that will be paid off with revenue from vendors who will line the Riverwalk. From above, the river and its bridges have always provided a signature view of Chicago, but now, the in-person view can take you to water's edge. Maybe even to fish.
In fact, 30 feet from where the mayor spoke Friday afternoon, Jeff Williams landed a creature from the deep.
"He put up a little bit of a fight," Williams said.
A 10-pound carp - not terribly attractive - and later returned to the deep.
The following vendors have been confirmed for the Riverwalk:
Lake Shore Drive to Michigan Avenue:
485 East Riverwalk South- adjacent to Lake Shore Drive
435 East Riverwalk South
355 East Riverwalk South- between Field Drive and Columbus
305 East Riverwalk South- immediately east of Columbus
233 East Riverwalk South- immediately west of Columbus
112 East Upper Wacker Drive
Wabash Avenue:
45 East Riverwalk South- east of the bridge
316 North Wabash- the Upper Wabash Plaza near the Vietnam Memorial
The Marina - State to Dearborn
11 West Riverwalk South- State Street Side
27 West Riverwalk South- Dearborn side
The Cove- Dearborn to Clark
Flanders Belguim Beer and Fries
55 West Riverwalk South- Dearborn side
71 West Riverwalk South- Clark Street side
The River Theater - Clark and LaSalle
105 West Riverwalk South
