July 9, 2016 – With most of the water drained from the last of the Riverwalk rooms, crews have started on a ramp that might someday be its most striking feature.

Boardwalk is the longest of the rooms and it was intentionally the least designed, according to Chicago Department of Transportation, “to allow for creative development ideas to maximize opportunities at this location.”

In March, CDOT released a rendering (above) that showed Boardwalk with a long, curved ramp, sweeping out toward the Lake Street Bridge and then down to river level.

The current structure is a large wooden form, into which concrete will be poured. It is supported by scaffolding of various heights, helping the ramp gradually slope down from Wacker Drive. CDOT calls this framing for the ramp’s “slab section” and says that rebar – steel rods that reinforce concrete – will be installed soon.

(Above) Aerial view of ramp under construction on Riverwalk west of Franklin Street.

For now, at least, Boardwalk is being developed as mostly a lawn, says CDOT civil engineer Jenelle Hill, “for people to sit and relax.”

Next door, between Franklin and Wells, fish habitats are being installed, along with pylons to support floating gardens.

Between Wells and LaSalle, work continues on the walkway surface, plumbing for vendor spaces and restrooms, and mechanical and electrical equipment for a shallow fountain. When the last three sections are completed in October, the Riverwalk will be extended from LaSalle to Lake Streets. (Left) Freshly hardened concrete docks west of Wells Street, photographed on June 21.