Navy Pier Decked Out in Holiday Style
Navy Pier was a magical place during the holidays once again this year with the help of Chicago Scenic Studios. Design Manager Tom Ryan designed new festive holiday decorations that were placed throughout the Pier, ensuring design continuity for the overall décor package. Project Manager Rick Boultinghouse and projects trainee Dave Kaina worked with Job Leads Andy Lemer-and, Nick Levinsky, Debbie Miller, and a decorating team from Ivan Carlson Associates, to make sure there was something special in every corner.

This year Chicago Scenic supplied additions to the existing holiday décor package that consisted of wreathes, snowflakes, and lit garland swags. The Family Pavilion Stage and Kids’ Craft Area saw major décor upgrades such as hundreds of chasing lights, festive candy decorations, and large-scale gingerbread people for visitors to enjoy while the Pier Players entertained them. Festive ornaments and seasonal décor kept shoppers in the holiday spirit along the food court and retail areas.

Custom-made snowflake banners were extended the length of the Pier to draw visitors from the retail corridor up to the Festival Hall terraces. A new snowflake arch was also added to create a dramatic lead-in to the Winter WonderFest event.

Skyline Stage Transformed into Outdoor Ice Rink
For the second year in a row, Chicago Scenic helped to transform Navy Pier’s Skyline Stage into a covered ice rink complete with theatrical lighting and a killer audio system. The outdoor ice rink has been so successful that the Pier plans to make the attraction a yearly event.

CSSI facilitated and contracted the engineering, purchase, and installation of the ice rink and supporting structures. CSSI Director of Projects Pete Rahill oversaw the coordination, provided logistical support, and worked with LZA Technology, who provided structural engineering services for the building and ice deck. Gilco Scaffolding provided the substructure of the rink, and Burley’s Rink Supply provided the ice mats and chilling equipment to make ice.

The rink was created to fit on the stage and over part of the seating area of the theater. The layout and configuration of the actual size of the rink expanded this year as a result of the new equipment provided by Burley’s. Chicago Scenic has also ordered a new Zambonie machine for the Pier with expected delivery later this spring. The rink opened in January and will run through spring.

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