The 31st Street Harbor Park is part of the largest harbors built in Chicago in the last 50 years and transforms an underused portion of Lake Michigan lakeshore into a new public amenity.  Unlike traditional harbors that are typically commercial ventures, this project took the approach of integrating the 1,000-slip marina with a park, melding high-tech engineering with thoughtful place-making. 

The design concept was inspired by the historical, cultural and environmental conditions along the shoreline of Lake Michigan.  Historically and ecologically the site was a dune landscape shaped by offshore winds. The force of wind was explored as a formative process in the landscape – shaping drifts, dunes and deposits for emerging.  Built partially on grade and partially as a green roof over a harbor services building, the new park and play space design provides for a variety of spatial experiences for users; including, a 63,300 SF accessible green roof, with a great lawn and spectacular views of the city, harbor and lake; naturalized garden edges and low water shoreline plantings, and enhanced waterfront promenade.  The new playground has become a signature component of the development, providing a vibrant gathering place for the South Side neighborhood.

Tim Anderson, Herb Kindsfater and Suzanne Serna, designed and oversaw the implementation of the project while at AECOM.

Project work in collaboration with Michelle Inouye.  Aerial images courtesy of Scott Stevenson,Westrec Marinas.