Opinions split on Breakwater Chicago, floating entertainment complex

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Breakwater Chicago, a floating entertainment complex, is proposed for development on Lake Michigan. The new attraction could open as soon as next summer.

The vessel is the size of a football field, and would be anchored one mile offshore the breakwall east of Lake Shore Drive and Erie Street. The floating island will have spas, sundecks, restaurants, a swimming pool and much more.

Beau D'Arcy, whose company has launched a Kickstarter campaign asking people to invest and give money for the project, says it will cost around $23 million. He has currently raised more than $500,000. D'Arcy also says that $17,000 of the $30,000 needed to start the development has been raised.

Chicagoans were split in opinion shortly after the announcement of the proposed complex.

Chicagoan Cheri Wost was fine with the project, she said, "As long as it does not upset anybody else or disturb other things that are going on."

Tonya Jacobi disagreed. "It would be ugly," she said, "I don't see why everybody should have to look at that.

The project does not yet have support from Mayor Rahm Emanuel either.

"We have not met with Mayor Emanuel directly, we have met with some of his senior staff," D'Arcy said, "we did not receive any opposition to the project and we have not received direct support for the project at this early stage," D'Arcy said.

The vessel would be moored in the lake and pulled by tugboat towards shore during winter months and covered with a dome. Howard Lerner, executive director of the Environmental Law and Policy Center, is not in favor of its construction.

"Lake Michigan supplies our drinking water. It's a recreational place for everybody in Chicago," said Lerner. "It is not the right place for private development, and that's what this project is. Let's not mess with the lake."

D'Arcy says that if the project is approved, Breakwater Chicago will add hundreds of jobs and over $100 million to the economy as it brings in millions of visitors

For more information on the project and its fundraising efforts, visit Breakwater Chicago's Kickstarter campaign website.