Why Chicago's Navy Pier was Almost Abandoned
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- čas přidán 22. 02. 2023
- Chapters:
00:46 - "Discover why Navy Pier is essential to the history of Chicago"
02:50 - "Unveiling 'The Plan of Chicago': The Blueprint for Navy Pier"
06:16 - "Behind the Scenes: The Fascinating Design and Construction of Navy Pier"
08:27 - "Step Inside the Grand Opening of Navy Pier: A Chicago Spectacle"
09:31 - "Navy Pier in Its Heyday: Explore the Thrilling Entertainment Offerings"
11:58 - "A New Name, A New Era: The Story Behind Navy Pier's Renaming"
12:35 - "The Untold Story of Navy Pier's Downfall and Resurgence"
13:00 - "How the US Navy Made Navy Pier Their Home: An Untold Story"
13:53 - "From Decline to Revival: How the St Lawrence Seaway Saved Navy Pier"
14:32 - "Lost and Found: The Mystery of Navy Pier's Trolley Tracks"
15:08 - "Navy Pier's Second Fall from Grace: What Went Wrong"
16:08 - "Taste of Chicago: Why Navy Pier is the Ultimate Destination for Foodies"
16:45 - "A New Chapter: The Exciting Redevelopment of Navy Pier You Don't Want to Miss"
Navy Pier is one of Chicago's most iconic landmarks, attracting millions of visitors each year. But how did this impressive structure come to be? In this video, we'll take a look at the fascinating history of Navy Pier, from its early days as a shipping and recreation hub to its transformation into the bustling entertainment destination we know today. First built in 1916, Navy Pier was originally known as Municipal Pier and was designed to serve as a docking facility for cargo ships and passenger steamers. Over the years, the pier also served as a military training facility during World War II and as a campus for the University of Illinois at Chicago. In the 1980s, the city of Chicago began a major renovation project to transform Navy Pier into a premier entertainment destination. The renovated pier, which opened in 1995, features a variety of attractions, including the famous 150-foot Ferris wheel, the Chicago Children's Museum, the IMAX theater, and a plethora of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Throughout its history, Navy Pier has played an important role in the life of the city of Chicago, serving as a vital transportation hub, a military training facility, and a hub for recreation and entertainment. Today, it continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city's history and culture, as well as a wide range of exciting attractions and activities.
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I moved to Chicago area back in 1977. I recall going to the pier when it was mostly abandoned and empty. I remember when it started hosting Chicago fest and later Taste of Chicago. I was working downtown by then and could walk there on my lunch or after work. I believe then Mayor Jane Byrne had a lot to do with that. I watched as it was slowly being restored and improved. I later moved to Florida in 1999, but I have been back a few times and I am deeply impressed to see it as it stands today.
Fascinating to know that in 77 it looked as you described. WOW.. I've only seen it like it is now..(I was born in 73)🤣🤣
Mayor Byrne started the Taste of Chicago :) Still here after many decades.
Might be the most beautiful part of Chicago now. Definitely attracts lots of people
@@goxyeagle8446 I was back there a number of years ago. Saw Wicked in the old Oriental Theatre (not sure what it's called today, but remember when it was just a bunch of trash store fronts) and the Pier. Also did a boat ride from the Aquarium to the pier area. Visited the pier as well. So much had change and I am happy to say for the better. I loved it.
It was still mostly empty in 1986 as I recall me & a buddy use to go to the beach right next to it.
I was a member of the last class of U of I students to attend school at Navy Pier in 1964. I remember that no classes were scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2 and 4 p.m. so that social functions could be held for all students to attend if they wished. I remember watching "On the Waterfront," one of my favorite movies at the time, for a quarter! One of the janitors rode a bicycle up and down the halls on his way to and from whatever was his schedule for the day. His bike had one of those kid's bells mounted to the handlebars, the one with the little lever that rang the bell several times rapidly when you pulled it.
The front section housed the "cardboard classrooms." If you had a class there (and I did), your instructor had to complete with unloading and transportation noises from the business side of the Pier. Smoking was prohibited in the cardboard classroom area.
My first experiences with microwave ovens were at the Pier. There was a room that housed a wall of Amana radaranges for student use. I was the last family member to attend school there. I still have a U of I sweatshirt that my older brother got for me when he attended his first two years of college at the Pier. It's been worn almost to shreds. It was my go to sweatshirt for years.
My class only had the joy of school in a warehouse for one semester. Then, the proposed location at Congress Circle, newly renamed Chicago Circle opened. The name originally referred to the Congress Expressway which formed the northern boundary of the campus but renaming that expressway after President Eisenhower nixed the original name.
U of I at Navy Pier--gone, but never forgotten.
That's the earliest public use of microwave ovens I've heard of. You could heat your lunch if you wanted.
@@2degucitas The wall of microwaves was there when my brother attended 3 years before me.
During the 80's I went fishing with my father at Navy Pier, numerous times. It was very barren then, but serene. Eventually, I found other interests and did not return to Navy Pier for many years. When I did return I was shocked at how much it changed. It's been great to see it thriving, but I do miss the quiet days of fishing there with my dad. It was like one of our secret fishing spots.
I love when you do Chicago content
As a long time Chicago area resident I remember when Navy pier was a run down industrial mess. Jane Byrn was the savior creating ChicagoFest and helping the renovations get started. I still visit with my family on our bikes. It is a Tourist Trap now, but the views of the lakefront and city are amazing. I do recommend taking a lakefront or architectural boat tour. The history of the lakefront and John Burnham's vision is amazing.
The history and engineering of the water cribs that are out on lake michigan is pretty fascinating and deserves a history video in itself. My Dad worked as a tender out on the cribs during summer breaks when he was home from college back in the 80s. He would stay and live out there for 5 day shifts at a time tending the filter screens that blocked debris from entering the pump houses. The job is obsolete now and the city got rid of the job and computers monitor everything that humans once did.. but it was very similar to a lighthouse keeper living at and tending to a light house.
I work for the company that services the emergency power for the two operational cribs. The cribs are some of the coolest things the city has, imo.
@James Mazurek That's awesome! What do you mean by you service the emergency power? The cribs run on generators or something? Every summer as a kid I'd go to navy pier with my grandparents. We'd take a boat on lake Michigan and I always thought they were lighthouses but we would never go out that far before I discovered their actual purpose. I was always fascinated by them and my grandpa would always give me history lessons about them. Men with donkeys literally dug the tunnels underneath the lake. Amazing feat of engineering.
I don't recall if it was this channel or another, but I know I saw something not that long ago on the cribs.
So often we hear about a great wonder that was finally run down and demolished - so nice to hear about one which had its high point, hit a very low point, but bounced back to thrive again and be a beloved part of the city's culture and community.
Nice when Historical sites are saved. Many around the nation have been bulldozed. :)
Chicago has done a fairly good job of preservation. Not always, but when they do! Look at the theatre district. All those places cut up into store fronts or XXX movie houses. Now they are fully restored. The entrance to what was Marshell Fields. Same for Bankers building lobby.
Excellent video! I worked on navy pier from 2006-2009 at the Chcago Shakespeare Theatre. We won a Tony in 2008 for best regional thatre company in the US! It's an amazing place. My shop was on the 6th floor with floor to ceiling glass, looking out over the pier and the city. We called it Rock Star. I have so many great memories of that place!
Also, there's a toilet stall on the 4th floor, I think, that has a panoramic view of the skyline. Best sh!++er in the city!
Yes a new Video about chicago!
Thank you for mentioning Chicago Stadium, perhaps you can do a video on her.
The tragedy that is Chicago Stadiums Demise is most don’t know she contained the worlds largest pipe organ.
From time to time i work at Navy Pier, May I suggest everyone attempts to walk all the way back and check out the magnificent grand ball room.
Truly stunning!
Gods speed and thanks for a positive video on a Chicago; the greatest city in the world
You forgot to mention that it was home to the only paddle wheeled aircraft carriers during WW2, the Wolverine and the Sable! Used to train many Navy pilot’s including future President George H.W. Bush!
There is a photo of both, side by side in the video. There is at least one video about them on CZcams.
A photo, yes, but no mention. That’s a huge omission. Hundreds of WW2 Navy and Marine pilots got their aircraft carrier qualification on Lake Michigan.
They did still plan to build at least one more additional pier. Navy Pier was actually labeled “Municipal Pier #2” when it opened, with the expectation that an additional pier (#1) would later be built
Only Chicago would name them bass awards. What a city.
@@markmitchell457 maybe the Second City thought second should go first
Actually, municipal pier 1 was the small pier that is just south of Navy pier, though it became known as “Dime pier” and is currently in ruins. There were plans for a Municipal pier 3 which would have been where northerly island is.
Still technically got two. One is the purification plant.
@@TheCaptainSplatter I too am a Captain, but I do my best not to splatter!
Thanks for posting this interesting video. As a UIC graduate, my alma mater had its start on Navy Pier. An early nickname was "Champaign on the Rocks," alluding to the original U of I campus at Urbana-Champaign. The anchor of the decommissioned guided missile cruiser USS Chicago resides at the end of the pier today. It was fascinating to hear about the extensive trolley system that once existed in Chicago; one only thinks of the L-system today..
Hello Phoenix, I was a Wildcat! Chicago does have a wonderful history and I love seeing these videos. I try to visit whenever I can, but I will always remember the northside, the street fairs, friends even convinced me to attend baseball games at Wrigley Field, because we can sit in the bleachers and get a suntan. The blues and the Jazz Fest, and the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park were definitely favorites if you spent the summer trimester in the city!
when I was a kid we always went to St.Pats day at the pier. such a great time.
everytime I hear that one piano riff I think of RedLetterMedia and Half in the Bag. Great video as usual!
This channel always makes me appreciate history just a bit more. Great and informative vid Ryan!
Never been to Chicago. However I have seen Historical programs about the city. My Favorite Architect left his mark all over the city, Frank Lloyd Wright. So much Architectural Beauty there. I LOVE what they did to NAVY PIER and happy to see it restored and enjoyed. Great Presentation, I Love your content ! :)
You’ll love Chicago!
Chicago is one of the only REAL cities in the US. New York, and Chicago, and if you want to, fine, we will include Boston despite it being small, but boy, is it a nice city. Chicago is by far the most beautiful city in Chicago, though. It's won most beautiful and best overall city in the usa multiple years in a row.
It was abandoned for many years, then, it opened up to something called Chicago Fest, A music festival, and businesses began to move in such as Dick’s last resort on the inlet that is right next to Navy Pier. There’s a gorgeous ballroom out at the end. My grandmother used to live in that call Cloverleaf building right there at the beginning of the pier called Lakepoint tower
I have family that had a penthouse on the south side of Lake Point. I remember looking down on the shore.
Funny thing about Chicago. If I had to pick between LA, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, portland or Boston as a place to live --- Chicago would be on top of my list.
Great vid 👌. Thanks for making and sharing this documentary 😁
1:24 Thank you for calling it the Sears Tower, which is it's true and proper name. 👏
When I lived in the city (as opposed to the north side where I grew up), Navy Pier was in it's nadir. I never saw it as a 'destination'. It was a blight to be avoided, especially by a young, single woman. It still rather amazes me that it was able to be reinvented and looks like such a fun place now. If I ever make it back to the old stomping grounds, I should like to visit it. Now that I'm an old, married woman lol.
I could see that.
It's great i take Europeans there. Archetectural tour, Art institute, millennium park and navy pier
I remember in the 1990’s when the Shakespeare Theatre opened on Navy Pier, such a beautiful addition.
thank you for doing your Chicago work, I enjoy them
The Charles Bronson film with Laurence Fishburne in it had a chase scene around Navy Pier during its lull in the early 80s.
Don't forget the Submarine docked at Navy Pier. The USS Silversides, a Gato Class WWII submarine, docked at Navy Pier. She was decommissioned on 17 April 1946 and placed in reserve until 15 October 1947, when she was placed in service as a training ship for Naval Reservists at Chicago, Illinois. After a 1949 overhaul, she remained at Chicago in support of Naval Reserve training as a stationary training vessel for the rest of her service. In 1987, the submarine was moved to Muskegon, Michigan, to serve as the centerpiece of the new Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum. I took a tour of that sub while it was docked at Navy Pier.
Stayed overnight on Silversides with my son in Cub Scouts @ Muskegon. Fun time.
Knowing I've walked navy Pier countless times the history in this video astounds me. Great job.
Learn something new everyday and thank you for the information..
GREAT VIDEO! Love Chicago a lot and having visited some 12-14 times I find your videos are so interesting and educational.
We visited Navy Pier in 2006 when making our first tour to USA and making us then the 9.3 million and two visitors. Over the years we have regularly visited the Pier to have a look at various exhibitions, to see the Winter Wonder Land, to buy a bag of Garrett's popcorn, but last time we visited, last Fall, we were disappointed as there weren't much to see or do but instead there were (too) many fast food eateries.
PS. I'd love to hear about the various ethnic areas in Chicago - Ukraine Village, Chinatown, Andersonville, Greektown ...
In the 1970's, Park District gymnastic meets were still held there...
I haven't visited the pier since the updated Ferris Wheel. This video made me hyped up to go back! Plus, I heard there is new stuff to see from some remodeled parts.
See you in the summer, Navy Pier!
i enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing the history.
Navy Pier is my favorite place to visit when I go to the city. I haven't been in over a decade and I miss it.
Same
casually slipping a "sears tower" in there. I love it. #searsforlife
Grew up in chicago and went to Navy Pier on various occasions. With the water treatment plant just north of it. You can even get to the beach paths not to far from it. There are bus lines that stop at NV if you don't want to drive and park there. While it may be more of a tourist destination but you be surprised by how many locals actually go there. Even seen school buses of children go there at times. The tall ships event was a good time. With various restaurants and other entertainment to the Stained Glass Museum. The memories there are some of the best.
I met my wife at Navy Pier during a Zazz bash in August 1995. It was fun. Been married 25yrs in October 2023.
My favorite part is visiting the stain glass museum. It's essentially at the end of all the shopping malls and you just... walk into it, and you get to view these lovely pieces of art that just seem to be placed along this hallway.
I’m staying at Sable on the navy pier and think that’s why this was recommended to me lol. Good video, excited to stay there
I came to Uni in Chicago in the 90s and the pier was just becoming a major tourist attraction at that time. The lakefront, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain were all nearly as they are today minus the millennium skating area and the “bean”.
The pier had a few shops, and had the first of what would then be two different wheels.
I absolutely love Chicago and will always click on it Chicago architecture or history video. I have since lived on both the East and West Coast and total of three continents but I always think of Chicago fondly as my US hometown.
Thank you for this history video. I had believed that just like most of the land east of Michigan Avenue the pier had been created with excess landfill from the Chicago fire. But it does make more sense that this was in the earliest plans of Burnham. It is a fascinating history Including the reversal of the Chicago River, and the transformation of the river and lake area from an industrial to a scenic and tourist area.
Visitors should schedule extra time to visit Navy Pier on their first visit to Chicago!
Growing up in the 90s I remember going to the children's museum so many times.
That was awesome, I visited the pier back in 08. I rode the amtrak up there .
Hey Ryan! I'm surprised that you didn't mention that in 1943, Navy Pilot George HW Bush received training at Navy Pier! Another great moment in Chicago's history! Keep the great videos coming!
Prior to Circle Campus Navy Pier was University of Illinois in Chicago and my parents used roller skates to travel to the different classes. It was known to some as Roller Skate University.
Were they Chicago wheels ?
Ryan I was born in Chicago in 1958 and grew up in the suburbs. I have a love for Navy pier because I spent many happy hours there and have many wonderful memories.
Very cool seeing the history
Was in Chicago in 2000... Navy Pier was the highlight of the trip.
My Dad had a boat in Montrose harbor back in the 70s and I have very vivid memories of going past Navy Pier. The majority of the windows of the ballroom were broken or boarded up. It certainly looked abandoned. And does anyone remember Rocky's? Still the best fried shrimp I ever had.
Good place for video and pictures of the city...
I must congratulate the foresight of the designers, to combine the shipping pier with a public space was genius. I’m glad to see after such a long storied history it has become what they envisioned.
Hoping to see some video of Chicago fest 79 at a crumbling Navy Pier. It was ffing awesome!
Great video! Nice and informative, well paced. At 10:15 there's a Chinese Junk sailing along on Lake Michigan. There's another story.
also 09:22 the paddle wheeler training carriers sable and wolverine.
The history of Navy Pier makes me proud to be a Chicagoan.
Bravo. I am glad it survived. It is a shame that the other buildings mentioned (including the grand B&O and IC railway stations that were lost) couldn’t have been repurposed instead of being demolished. Too many developers have ignored the value of keeping stunning architecture. They’d rather build new for the gentrificates that have grown up in the last 30 years being taught that “old” is, well, old and that upscale looking apartments and shopping can’t possibly exist within a structure that was designed to last centuries. 🙄
One of the things that navy pier was used for back in the day as well For a brief bit of time it was also home for the Training division and a gymnasium for the Chicago Fire department
This was an annual trip for us when our daughters were younger and competed at the Chicago Style gymnastics meet.
@1:40 Interesting that they chose slanted angular roofs back in the day instead of flat roofs like you see today.
I was born at the former michael reese hospital on the lakefront and even as a child, i enjoyed visiting navy pier nearly every weekend!
Great review of this iconic spot. So glad you have since decided to not have music. It’s distracting from your narration.
Noted!
Looks cool!
I used to ride my bike back in 1982-83 from Fullerton and Pulaski, to Navy Pier, then down the lakefront all the way to Meigs field/McCormick place. The pier has sure changed since then. I wouldn't ride my bike that route today, at least not without wearing a BP vest and a CC. Shame how scary Chicago has become today. TY Beetlejuice!
🤮
KPHS?
@@Smokr Good Guess
13:10. In the 90s they opened this area for rollerblading. It was like $5 for a whole day. They would even would set up ramps and rails. My family used to go nearly every weekend, but not many people knew about it. Anyone else ever do that? If so we probably met, LOL.
Nice 👍
Veronica Roth also used the pier during significant parts of her dystopian novel, Divergent.
Thanks for saying something positive about Chicago
He has a lot of positive videos of the history of chicago
Can you please do an episode about the Calgary Stampede? I imagine the history you find in it would blow your mind.
As a kid, there was nothing better than going on that Ferris wheel.
Chicago Fest was staged at Navy Pier for years starting in the late 1970's I believe. Do not remember how long that was the venue for Chicago Fest.
I went to Chicago Fest 2X as a kid to see Bozo!
Went to a custom car show in approximately 1971 at Navy Pier. That place was huge then. The company I worked at for twenty four years held the company’s fiftieth anniversary in the grand ballroom. Can’t imagine what it cost being it was after the latest upgrade in the 1990’s!
Remiss not to mention the International Art Expositions throughout the 80's. Very histiric significance.
This is another great video of yours Ryan 👍 but may I ask what exactly do you have on your head 🤣✌️🇺🇲
The hat! Love it, and incidentally does it muffle wind noise when recording ?! 😀
One: No mention of Chicago Fest in 1980 &81, which was the first major event to happen at the pier in decades and led to the decision to renovate the pier. Two: Transatlantic air flight really had no impact on the pier because it never served transatlantic passenger ships.
I went to a prom at navy pier, on one of those ships. Great time. Love that place. I wish Chicago could get rid of the number of cars on the roads. Bring back the streetcars and trolleys along with the El and the subway systems & buses. Chicago should be a cycling paradise.
"If you can't stand for long periods of times. Don't go. It is jammed packed. You can't walk. You have to shuffle, an inch at a time. But it is beautiful place. Super crowded"
the building right of navy pier at @0:04 is the water treatment plant for the city. How do i know, I used to visit navy pier every weekend and one or two times i would sneak over there to look inside.
I remember the flea market and the odd freight cars at the pier.
thanks i have changed by street car map to some of the pics i seen in the vid
Haven't even been around Navy Pier since the mid-1960s, when a family friend would take us by there on his boat while out on cruising 'excursions' on Lake Michigan. Rather dank and gloomy in the inlet then. I should make it a point to get out to the modern pier area once while I still have a chance. Maybe next summer.
I always enjoy your videos Ryan. Why the wig on this one?
You should do a story about the steel pier in Atlantic city
one thing you omitted Navy Peir has been called ( and might still be ) the Midwest #1 tourist attraction
What’s with the hat?😂. No heat in your studio?
13:42, what’s going on with the 3rd guy from the left during the rod demonstration, he seems to be paying special attention if you know what I mean.
@0:08 - 0:18 They sure changed the end of the pier!
Would it be worth your while to look at the transportation available from New York to Boston at the turn of the 20th century?
They should have a Light Rail Trolley Line running into here and then along the Lakefront running to McCormick Place,Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry the tracks then being alongside the METRA ELECTRIC and the SOUTH SHORE LINE.
10:49 What is the structure to the left of the pier?
FANTASTIC history but currently, by in large Navy Pier is a tourist destination for people with children during the day and without their children at night. People from Chicago rarely visit. I live easy bike distance from the pier and only go with visitors from out of town...if they have never been before. As a tourist suggestion, train your children to stay near in crowded situations BEFORE visiting the pier or Chicago in general. The frantic parents screaming their child's name isn't pleasant for anyone and traumatic for the parent. In the evening there are bands playing outside and music from speakers. There are people exploring and crowds, much like Disney with many fewer rides. Unlike Disney, this is an open public space surrounded by Lake Michigan's deep water. Many decent restaurants but be prepared to spend premium prices and longer waits for food. Even if you don't normally eat at McDonald's you will notice the prices. I can't imagine how much their rent is.
My dad was part of the construction crew back when it was remodeled
This is my second city I live in Massachusetts but my gf lives in Illinois and we have gone to the city haven’t made it to the pier yet
Have you done any research into Boblo Island
4:04 Chef John better come get his music back
You should look into the Milwaukee water supply problem.
you forgot that navy pier was in a scene from the "Blues Brothers"
As a graduate of navy bootcamp at Great lakes, this is where me and the guys spent our first day of freedom. 😆 yes, in out summer whites!
When were the railroad connections to the pier severed?
Cool hat
a great time back in the 80s was the powwows every year.
Can you please do a video on Godzilla bathtub, the water resovior under goose island. Not many people know but they should
I remember going down there on the 60’s watching the boats unload