Chicago Children's museum in Grant Park (crime, construction, gangs)

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by jdiddy

That is actually an old rendering. I have a copy of newer renderings, but its a large pdf.

The new "rendering" released today is essentially the exact same thing..its still an open pit no matter how you slice it
Children's Museum lowers its profile in new design proposal -- chicagotribune.com

I find it ironic that in any other development situation, there would be a flurry of press releases and professional 3D renderings released amid a whole bunch of hoopla. It speaks volumes that the CM has taken every step possible to completely hide the real impact of the structure, and the way it will actually look in context to the rest of the park (not to mention the fact that they're totally unwilling to explore ANY other location options). What a joke.

[sharkylittleton]

Is anyone afraid that the daily machine will gather enough alderman support to make this happen regardless? I hope the city council steps up, but for some reason its doubtfull..

[chet everett]

Aldermanic support? He has BULLDOZERS, who needs mere aldermen. Remember Meigs?

I mean seriously, I suspect that with Gerry "I have no spine and serve at the whim of da mayor" Chico in charge at the Park District they'll move forward in such a way to pull an end run around the aldermen regardless.

I wish Forrest Claypool hadn't switched over to the County Board, but then again...

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by via chicago

If you want to see the pics, they are on Lynn Becker's column below
Repeat- Writings on Architecture: Jagged Icebergs and Open Pit - the Brutalist Design the Chicago Children's Museum seeks to force into Grant Park



Exactly...it IS a failure.

What the hell is that? Superman's Fortress of Solitude?

[Drover]

What an awesome idea: turn a children's museum into a frickin' dungeon. That ought to be a great child-friendly atmosphere.

[eevee]

ok, so I don't pretend to know much about Chicago politics and only just recently started paying attention to this issue, but, if you're going to spend money to build a kids' museum near the lakefront, wouldn't it be swell if the kids could actually SEE the lakefront???? these kids aren't even going to get any sunlight in there!!! why is the city known for its skyscrapers and lakefront trying to shove these kids underground??

I still don't get 100% why this museum must be there. isn't there anywhere else in this city they could put this thing that isn't going to cause a huge debate?

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by eevee

ok, so I don't pretend to know much about Chicago politics and only just recently started paying attention to this issue, but, if you're going to spend money to build a kids' museum near the lakefront, wouldn't it be swell if the kids could actually SEE the lakefront???? these kids aren't even going to get any sunlight in there!!! why is the city known for its skyscrapers and lakefront trying to shove these kids underground??

I still don't get 100% why this museum must be there. isn't there anywhere else in this city they could put this thing that isn't going to cause a huge debate?

What the Pritzkers want, the Pritzkers will get...dosent matter if its logical or not.

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by via chicago

The new "rendering" released today is essentially the exact same thing..its still an open pit no matter how you slice it
Children's Museum lowers its profile in new design proposal -- chicagotribune.com

I find it ironic that in any other development situation, there would be a flurry of press releases and professional 3D renderings released amid a whole bunch of hoopla. It speaks volumes that the CM has taken every step possible to completely hide the real impact of the structure, and the way it will actually look in context to the rest of the park (not to mention the fact that they're totally unwilling to explore ANY other location options). What a joke.

Well, I think these renderings look much better than the other set, but I'm in complete agreement with you that the secrecy of this process has been a joke.

While I understand everyone's objections, I really don't think this would take away from the park, and in fact would probably add to it. However, it's hard to justify a non-profit spending the tens of millions required on such a complicated site (and the political process) when there are other alternatives available.

[sharkylittleton]

I'm not sure that you all have seen this.

chicagotribune.com

Chicago zoning board OKs Children's Museum move, but opponents sue to halt plan

Full City Council could vote on proposal Wednesday

By Dan Mihalopoulos and Noreen S. Ahmed-Ullah
Tribune reporters
11:16 PM CDT, June 5, 2008

In a break from the tradition of giving aldermen ultimate say in their wards, a City Council panel Thursday joined Mayor Richard Daley in backing a proposal to build a new children's museum in Grant Park.

Disregarding the opposition of Ald. Brendan Reilly, whose 42nd Ward includes the proposed project site, the council's Zoning Committee voted 6-3 for the $100 million project to move the Chicago Children's Museum from Navy Pier to the northern edge of the city's iconic, central park.

To the dismay of the vocal and highly organized anti-museum lobby, the project is now positioned for a final vote by the full council Wednesday.

[mod cut]

[bsdsys]

From the Chicago Tribune:


Updated by Dan Mihalopoulos at 1:48 p.m.



The City Council on Wednesday approved plans to build a new Chicago Children's Museum in Grant Park, amid opponents' threats to tie the project up in court.
Over the objections of local Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd), who opposed the plan, the council voted 33-16 in favor of the museum's plan to move from Navy Pier. Mayor Richard Daley, the plan's most powerful supporter, presided over the council vote.



I had mixed feelings at times but in the end came to the conclusion that I didn't see moving from Navy Pier to Grant Park as a benefit to the children of the city of Chicago - which was the basis for a lot of views presented today as I watched live online. I wish it would have turned out different.