6-Jan-17 – Requests for proposals from prospective vendors on the Chicago Riverwalk reiterate what the city has been saying for more than a year, that it wants destinations on the Riverwalk to be open year-round.

The mayor’s office announced on Thursday it is interested in seeing proposals for longer-term contracts – three years or ten years – and permanent, year-round restaurants, activities, events, and services.

Examples given by the city include facilities for paddling, recreational or charter boats, sports rentals, food and beverage, retail, educational, entertainment venues, commercial boat docks, “or any other type of family-friendly concessions.”

The city will entertain proposals for any spot on the Riverwalk between Lake Shore Drive and Franklin Street.

(Left) Water Plaza, a section of Riverwalk between LaSalle and Wells Streets.

Proposals are due on March 9. They will be reviewed by a committee comprised of city personnel who specialize in areas of finance, cultural affairs, construction, and operations, and are familiar with the Riverwalk.

A pre-proposal meeting for prospective vendors is scheduled for January 26 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 1103 at City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street. About 40 people attended a similar meeting in November 2015.

Until February 10, prospective vendors can submit questions by email to edward.anderson@cityofchicago.org. The city asks that the subject line of the email be Operation of Concessions of the Chicago Riverwalk, Specification No. 329656.

Riverwalk vendors took in more than $8.5 million last year

Money made by vendors on the Riverwalk last year is significantly higher than in 2015. The city, which gets a percentage of revenue, says vendors grossed $4.5 million in 2015 and more than $8.5 million in 2016.

One vendor in particular, Tiny Hatt, says the business it did last year “exceeded even our most aggressive projections.” Another, Island Party Hut, says they did enough business to warrant doubling the size of their space.

“The Riverwalk was a bustling hub of activity this year, offering a variety of venues and spaces for residents and visitors to eat, drink, and play,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “The riverfront investments we’re making throughout the city are increasing river access, increasing recreational opportunities, and promoting economic growth.”

(Right) Mayor Emanuel speaks on the Chicago Riverwalk on October 22, 2016. Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood at right.

Of the $8.5 million, the city expects to receive at least $700,000 in fees.

Most of the contracts of vendors on the Riverwalk last year have been extended for the 2017 season, though the city did not specify which vendors will not be back.