North Avenue Beach could be getting a shiny makeover in the coming years. According to the Tribune, the Chicago Park District has submitted a proposal to add a boardwalk around the boat-shaped fieldhouse at the popular Lincoln Park beach. The suggested boardwalk is intended to provide space for new concession kiosks and outdoor seating. We know—it’s cruel to remind you of peak Summertime Chi just as we’re heading into winter, but these plans sound pretty enticing.
The project would also include an expansion of the roof deck above Castaways and potentially a revamped CTA and Divvy station, an outdoor shower and more parking. These details were revealed as part of a 10-year improvement plan for the beach, the budget for which is estimated to be $10 million. Keep in mind that these are all preliminary ideas—the project has not been given a green light.
If the plan does go through, it won't be the first updated amenity North Avenue beach has received of late. In July, the beach welcomed the Shore Club, a swanky new resort-inspired restaurant adjacent to Castaways. Just up the lakefront, Theatre On The Lake recently reopened after a $7 million facelift. On top of that, Castaways’ concession contract expires this year, so the notoriously rowdy waterfront hang’s days could be numbered. It’s possible that North Avenue Beach will look very different in just a few short years.
What do you think, is North Avenue Beach going to become the new Santa Monica?