Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced plans to improve the east end of the Chicago Riverwalk. These improvements are part of ongoing efforts to build upon the success of the Riverwalk and further enhance visitors’ experience from Michigan Avenue to Lake Shore Drive. The City will improve older sections of the Riverwalk east of Michigan Avenue to help create even more opportunities for residents and visitors to interact with and enjoy the Chicago River. Improvements will include changes to the path to re-orientate visitor’s experience with the river, recreation areas, children’s play area, public art and improved landscaping. The plan focuses on access points or gateways along the east end, including:

Ellen Lanyon Gateway, LSD entrance: improved landscaping, outdoor public seating, viewing area to showcase existing Ellen Lanyon murals within gateway structure.

Entrance at Field Drive: pedestrian connection from Lake Shore Drive east, children’s play area, public art space, improved landscaping, outdoor public seating, proposed submarine memorial

Michigan Avenue East Plaza: access point from Michigan Avenue to showcase new gateway structure, improved plaza area with enhanced landscaping, outdoor furniture to provide visual screen for lower Wacker Drive. Immediate improvements to be made by Chicago’s First Lady Cruises to their sight, including new signage, re-cladding exterior of ticket offices and improved queuing on the path