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Mayor Richard M. Daley annouces the plans to build Lakefront Millennium Park as a part of Grant Park. Initial plans have the park being ready by summer 2000 and costing $150 million.
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The plans for a 1500-seat theater for music and dance are unveiled. It would later be named Harris Theater.
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World reknown architect Frank Gehry is hired to desgin several of the outdoor sections of the park.
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A sculpture by Anish Kapoor called "Cloud Gate" is approved to be added to the park. More commonly known as "the bean," this has become one of Millennium Park's most popular attractions.
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City Hall fires a key contractor, the joint venture of Paul Schwendener Inc. and G.M. Harston Construction Co.
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The Schwendener and Harston joint venture sue the City of Chicago
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To help with the increasing costs of the park development, Mayor Daley desides to use $30-50 million of the money set aside for Loop development
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One day after seeking additional funds, Mayor Daley blames architect Frank Gehry for some of the budget problems, but apologizes two days later.
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The Crown Fountain, named in honor the legendary Crown family of Chicago, is set to be installed in the park. The fountain is two 50-foot tall walls with human faces on it that spout water out of the mouth.
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The McCormick Tribune skating rink is the first Millennium Park attraction to open. Though an ice skating rink in the winter, it becomes an outdoor dining area in the summer.
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Joan and Irving Harris make a $15 million donation and a $24 million construction loan to the music and dance theater which is then named after them.
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After far exceeding the initial budget and running four years passed the initial launch date, Millennium Park is finally open for the pubic.
