Mayor Rahm Emanuel and REI Co-op recently announced the company plans to relocate its Lincoln Park location to a larger, two-story location on the banks of the Chicago River’s North Branch in early 2019. The new 40,000 square-foot retail space will offer kayak and paddleboard rentals with direct access to the Chicago River, expanded assortments of quality outdoor gear, and dedicated indoor parking. With more than 161,000 active REI members in Chicago, the relocation to the Chicago Riverfront is part of the co-op’s mission to make the outdoors more accessible for all.

According to the REI Co op press release, the renovation builds on Mayor Emanuel’s comprehensive Building on Burnham plan to protect, preserve and invest in natural areas and recreational opportunities in neighborhoods across the city. The new store location is within a planned “wild mile” along the North Branch Canal that will include habitat improvements, pedestrian walkways, fishing stations, vegetative islands, viewing platforms, canoe launches and other amenities that cater to the public and wildlife. The new REI location will be the co-op’s second waterfront space along the Chicago River. REI offers paddle experiences, rentals and REI Outdoor School programs at two locations around Chicago, including the REI Boathouse at Ping Tom Memorial Park on the Chicago River’s South Branch, and at the REI Boathouse at Saganashkee Slough in Willow Springs. Currently, REI’s new riverfront location is being remodeled and redesigned to include features like outdoor patio seating and dedicated bike parking.

For the full overview of the outdoor retailer's plans for its new store, click here.