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 The Friends of the Parks group said in its federal lawsuit
that the proposed Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, which will
include artifacts from the filmmaker's hit science fiction film
series, violates the U.S. Constitution's equal protection and
due process clause.
"Let's use the Force to do good in Chicago," Cassandra Frances,
president of the Friends of the Park, told reporters in
borrowing a "Star Wars" line.
The museum was to be located on the same area on Lake Michigan
as Soldier Field, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. The proposed
site currently is used for parking lots.
The lawsuit seeks to block the transfer of the land from the
city to the museum. By allowing the development, the suit said
the nation's third-largest city will interfere with the right of
citizens to "use and enjoy property held in trust by the state
of Illinois as a natural resource and pristine physical
environment."
Francis told reporters she objected to "humongous scale" - seven
levels and 400,000 square feet - of the project.
"The structure will interfere with keeping the lakefront clear
and free," she said.
Francis said the museum would be better in another,
underdeveloped part of the city.
Adam Collins, a spokesman for Mayor Rahm Emanuel, said the
administration has not seen the lawsuit and could not comment.
He said the museum would create jobs and will be treated like
others on the lakefront museum campus and comply with all laws.
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"This museum is a generous gift that will expand the rich cultural
and educational opportunities for children and families in every
neighborhood, and visitors from around the world," Collins said.
The museum will feature Lucas' collection of paintings,
illustrations and digital art, including works by Norman Rockwell,
John Tenniel and Maxfield Parrish.
Lucas had wanted to build it in San Francisco but the proposal was
rejected by a trust that governs its intended site. Lucas' wife,
Mellody Hobson, is from Chicago.
The museum said it selected the site because of its central location
and accessibility to public transportation.
A white, space-mountain-like design for the proposed museum was
released last week, and has already caused controversy in a city
known for its architecture.
A spokeswoman for the Lucas Museum had no comment.
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