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CHICAGO – Navy Pier, one of the most-attended and iconic destinations in the Midwest, has opened its new Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion, a 4,000-square foot facility designed to welcome guests and offer a variety of information as they arrive and navigate the Pier. Located in Polk Bros Park, the Pavilion features a 35-foot, state-of-the-art digital screen, which displays an overview of Navy Pier, Peoples Gas and Chicago’s shared history, in addition to sustainability facts and welcome greetings in various languages to honor the more-than-9 million diverse guests who visit the Pier annually.
Designed by Gensler and constructed with energy efficiency in mind, the architecturally unique Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion maximizes the guest experience while minimizing environmental impact. It features an energy-saving green roof, LED lighting and low-flow plumbing fixtures, making it 21 percent more efficient than a traditional structure. The facility also consists of conveniently located restrooms and communal seating areas, and matches the aesthetics of Navy Pier’s other recent renovations, which reflect the iconic destination’s bold, contemporary vision for its second century.
The Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion was brought to life thanks to a $5 million gift from Peoples Gas as a means to honor the 100+ year partnership with Navy Pier, one of the company’s first commercial customers. The organizations also share proud histories of community service through a range of cultural and civic activities.
“Given the longstanding history between the two organizations and our shared values and commitment to environmental sustainability, the synergy between Peoples Gas and the People’s Pier is undeniable,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “We are proud to elevate the partnership to a new level with the official naming and unveiling of the Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion, and work collectively to deliver quality service and hospitality to our guests.”
“As Chicago’s first and longest-serving utility with deep roots in the city, we are pleased to be the company that welcomes our neighbors and millions of guests to Chicago’s premier lakefront destination every year,” said Peoples Gas President and CEO Charles Matthews. “Navy Pier’s rich programming, year-round activities and future redevelopment plans are well aligned with our commitment to our community through investments in education, arts and culture, neighborhood development, and the environment.”
While the Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion is now open to guests, Navy Pier and Peoples Gas will formally celebrate its opening with a special, private dedication ceremony on Thursday, September 20 at 5:30 p.m. The facility is open and staffed year-round and will coincide with Navy Pier’s standard operational hours.
The Peoples Gas gift is the latest major contribution to Navy Pier’s redevelopment efforts, following Fifth Third Bank’s recent investment in the newly renovated Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion. The Pier has also previously received a legacy gift from the Polk Family and grants from Polk Bros. Foundation for Polk Bros Park and related programs, as well as generous support from Aon, recognized through the naming of the historic Aon Grand Ballroom.
For more information, visit www.navypier.org or download the Navy Pier app on any Android or iOS device.
PHOTOS: Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion | Credit: James Richards IV, distractyourface.com
About Peoples Gas
Peoples Gas is a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC) and is a regulated natural gas delivery company serving approximately 830,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the city of Chicago. For more information about natural gas safety, energy efficiency and other energy-related topics, visit www.peoplesgasdelivery.com and connect with the company on Twitter and Facebook @peoplesgaschi
About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is one of the top-attended nonprofit cultural destinations in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming more than 9 million guests annually. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. In 2018, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing pier-wide redevelopment efforts – including the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion, Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion, 220-room hotel and more – in addition to free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. For more information, visit www.navypier.org or download the free Navy Pier app for Android and iOS device users.
Navy Pier Mission Statement
Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.
About Navy Pier
Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.
Since its reopening in 1995, more than 180 million guests have come to enjoy the Pier’s 50 acres of unparalleled attractions and experiences. In 2022, Navy Pier continues to evolve into an accessible, year-round centerpiece for Chicago’s diverse arts and cultural treasures.