Editorial: Dreaming big at Navy Pier

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Updated: March 2, 2012 8:13AM

Keep dreaming big, Chicago.

Navy Pier has launched a competition to gin up the biggest and boldest ideas to remake the public spaces at the pier, the state’s most popular tourist attraction.

On Tuesday, five plans were unveiled and they do not disappoint: a gondola, an urban farm, a swimming pool with a beach and a tower in the lake are all in the mix.

Now it’s Chicago’s turn to weigh in.

Members of the public can scrutinize the proposals — and offer their own big plans — on Wednesday at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago, starting at 6 p.m. Beginning Thursday, the designs will be on display at the Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan.

Many of these plans will break the bank, pier officials acknowlege. The revamp budget is $85 million. But the idea is to choose the most creative team, not necessarily an exact design.

Navy Pier aimes to keep Chicago’s dream-big spirit alive, even in the face of limited budgets. By all means, let’s get the conversation started.