Construction Imminent at Urban Kayaks Development Along Chicago Riverwalk in The Loop

Construction is imminent for the development of Urban Kayaks along the Chicago Riverwalk at 425-475 E Chicago Riverwalk South. Located along the riverwalk the site is midway between N Columbus Drive and N Lake Shore Drive. There are numerous CTA bus routes nearby, accessed at the intersection of E Wacker Drive and N Columbus Drive, including the 20, 134, 135, and 136 lines. The State/Lake CTA L station, serviced by the Brown, Green, Pink, Purple, and Orange Lines, can be reached within a ten-minute walk.

Kayak Storage Facility at Urban Kayaks. Rendering by JLK Architects

Cantina and Outdoor Dining at Urban Kayaks. Rendering by JLK Architects

Designed by JLK Architects, the scope of the project looks to create a cohesive new facility for Urban Kayaks. The facility will include kayak rental and storage space, a cantina with outdoor dining, space for ticketing operations, a theater, a fitness activity area, and public restrooms.

Ticketing Operations Space at Urban Kayaks. Rendering by JLK Architects

The project aims to expand and connect waterfront and open spaces and create actively engaging public spaces through the redevelopment of the site. A cohesive graphic façade on the kayak storage facility will be used to cover the metal roller doors.

Theater and Restrooms at Urban Kayaks. Rendering by JLK Architects

Urban Kayaks is investing $1.6 million in the new center and will complete the redevelopment of the easternmost portion of the riverwalk. It will provide public amenities including public restrooms and encourages physical connections to the Chicago River through recreation.

Fitness Activity Area at Urban Kayaks. Rendering by JLK Architects

Permits have been approved for the entire new development, spread across three separate permits, allowing the project to move forward. Mars Construction Pros Inc. is listed as the general contractor for the development. No official timeline has been announced for the pending construction.

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