A view from a dock at the 31st Street Harbor. (Credit: Steve Miller/WBBM Newsradio)
CHICAGO (CBS) — Chicago’s 31st Street Harbor is now officially open–a $100-million dollar project designed to accommodate 1,000 boats.
And Thursday was a beautiful day to sell people on buying a slip at Chicago’s newest harbor.
“It’s a great opportunity. It’s a world-class facility,” said Michael Kelly, CEO of the Chicago Park District.
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He says the 31st Street Harbor has about 200 slips filled so far.
“We’re at about 20 percent occupancy,” Kelly said. “I would’ve liked it to be more like 25 percent. But here we are at 20 percent. But I’m still pretty confident that within 5 or 6 years we will be at capacity.”
Alternative revenue bonds pay for the marina. A spokeswoman for the park district says the district hopes to break even in four or five years.
Slips cost anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000 per season.
Also today at the 31st Street Harbor, Chicago’s first In-Water Boat Show opened.
Customers check out the interior of one of the more well-appointed boats on display at the boat show at the 31st Street Harbor. (Credit: Steve Miller/WBBM Newsradio)
