Imitiation is the sincerest form of flaterry. And cities copy each other all the time.

So here's an idea: Chicago has two great waterfronts: lake and river. Maybe we should borrow an idea from Baltimore for a third one. Baltimore's Inner Harbor could be a model for a similiar type development where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan. Navy Pier is already in place and has some similiarities as Baltimore's shopping complex, Harbor Place. Both locales already have a series of ships, adding to their natutical allure. Baltimore has further attractions, including its outstanding aquarium. A cultural institution like it be placed on the South Shore of the river's mouth. The area is already connected for pedestrians by the LSD Bridge. And DuSable Park is supposed to go into the area as well.

This space is wider than the river, but not the open body of water that the lake is. In that respect it really does share some similities with the Inner Harbor. Does anyone else think that Baltimore's development might be useful for us to consider in developing this "third waterfront"?

I think that you are refering to the turning basin at the mouth of Ogden Slip. I don't think that there really is any space to put anything. You really can't get big boats in there.

i'm thinking of the area due east of ogden slip, between navy pier and the columbia yacht club

Baltimore is still seeing the positive effects of its Inner Harbor development. Baltimore seems to be making a comeback.