Final decision on George Lucas Museum coming soon... (San Francisco, Oakland: home, neighborhood)

[subPrimeTime]

In the next few weeks, George Lucas is going to decide between San Francisco and LA for the location of his Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. It's SF's Treasure Island vs Expo Park. He's from SF (lives there now) so perhaps they are the favorite, but the island location is pretty odd (accessibility would be a nightmare). Chicago was initially chosen, but some NIMBY backlash forced him to pull out of Chi-town apparently. This would be great for LA!

Pressure Builds for Lucas Museum Selection | News | ladowntownnews.com

[Kaphawoman]

Oh. I had no idea the Chicago decision fell through. Here's hoping we win this time around. I like that it will include a library, classrooms, and green space.

[EclecticEars]

If placed in SF, the Treasure Island location would indeed be a nightmare to get to, only accessible by driving or (from the Oakland side only, for now) riding a bike across the Bay Bridge. No BART access.

If placed in L.A., the S. Vermont Ave. location by Exposition Park and USC would mean that the museum is in a part of town that is still veritably crappy. Metro access would be close by, but that neighborhood Metro station is a no-go zone, as far as I'm concerned, late at night.

The downtown areas of either city--whether by AT&T Park and the proposed new Warriors arena in SF or among the burgeoning arts scene in DTLA--would be more idea. Of course, I think it would make more sense to place the museum in L.A.; even though S.F. (Marin really) is Lucas' home and he seems to love it and wants to give back to the community, L.A. has been the big contributor to his success.

[theraven24]

^^^ I find it funny how many people are so afraid of the USC area, whether it's day or night. It's always blown out of proportion.

[NativeOrange]

Originally Posted by theraven24

^^^ I find it funny how many people are so afraid of the USC area, whether it's day or night. It's always blown out of proportion.

True. It's a little slummy in a lot of areas, but I haven't felt unsafe there since the 90's/early 2000's.

[RaymondChandlerLives]

The nearby California Science Center gets 1.5 million visitors a year, including 300k school children. If these kids can brave the dystopian streets of LA to see the Space Shuttle, Lucas fans can do the same for Greedo's costume.

[theraven24]

Originally Posted by NativeOrange

True. It's a little slummy in a lot of areas, but I haven't felt unsafe there since the 90's/early 2000's.

Yes, I can agree that parts are slummy. But slummy doesn't automatically mean extremely dangerous.

I feel safe as well.

[theraven24]

Originally Posted by RaymondChandlerLives

The nearby California Science Center gets 1.5 million visitors a year, including 300k school children. If these kids can brave the dystopian streets of LA to see the Space Shuttle, Lucas fans can do the same for Greedo's costume.

Exactly! Not to mention all the concerts that were held at the now extinct Sports Arena, the games and events at the Coliseum, etc. A new soccer stadium will be going in the area. I see nothing to worry about.

[jm1982]

Originally Posted by theraven24

^^^ I find it funny how many people are so afraid of the USC area, whether it's day or night. It's always blown out of proportion.

USC has its own private security patrolling around the campus , it would be a lot worse otherwise.
Depends how far you go around the campus . There have been killings of USC students , I had a friend whose brother was stabbed right by campus .

Westwood area is definitely a lot safer overall no doubt .

It depends what you are comparing it to really .

[subPrimeTime]

I echo what others are saying about how the "danger" of the USC area is a little overblown. The museum would be used during mostly daytime hours anyway, I'm assuming. It's not like a bunch of kids would be there at night. And yes, if the other museum in the area is doing fine there, then the Lucas museum will thrive.

The Expo Line-adjacent aspect is maybe the biggest reason for choosing this location though. It's so centrally located, and around the same time, the Regional Connector will be complete. Thus, folks from the east (Gold Line) will be able reach the museum in one train. Seems like a no-brainer.