Can Kickstarter Funding Help Achieve the 'Breakwater Chicago' Dream?

"The crowdfunding campaign spearheaded by Plainfield native Beau D’Arcy to raise money for his multimillion-dollar project, Breakwater Chicago, reached its goal of $30,000 within about 36 hours last week, D'Arcy said. By Tuesday night, the campaign had received well over its goal with $38,180 pledged on Kickstarter," reports Michelle Manchir.

"D'Arcy's plan includes a floating 300-foot vessel with sun decks, restaurants, a swimming pool and room for boats to dock. He told the Tribune last week he sees the project potentially being Chicago's' 'next Bean,' a reference to Millennium Park's popular Cloud Gate sculpture."

The final estimated cost of the proposal could be around $23 million, but the larger challenge might be winning the approval of regulators. According to the earlier report by Mitch Smith, "[in] addition to lots of cash, D’Arcy’s ambition will need the blessing of more than a few regulators. The facility, which he said be anchored about a mile from the shore during the summer and towed to the beach in the winter, will need permits from the Coast Guard, state and city."