TGDA was part of the winning team with James Corner Field Operations (JCFO) for the Navy Pier “Pierscape” international design competition. In conjunction with its centennial, the goal of the competition was to develop a refreshed vision for Navy Pier and improve existing assets and infrastructure while evolving the grandeur of the visitor experience and the Pier’s attractions. Following three competition rounds over several months, Navy Pier selected the JCFO team and preliminary work to solidify redevelopment plans began in 2012.

As part of the JCFO team, TGDA serves as the local landscape architect, providing expertise on items such as local history, City of Chicago regulations and permitting, site review, document production, horticultural challenges, and utility coordination for long-term planting conditions. TGDA, along with TGDA Consultant Plantsman Roy Diblik, developed the plant palette to meet JCFO design intentions. In later project stages, TGDA played a key role in assisting JCFO with construction administration and planting installation through document review and on-site coordination with subcontractors.