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The council, which had just passed a new budget with steep
property tax increases, did not discuss the museum, which will
be located south of the Soldier Field stadium in a place where
there are currently parking lots.
Only a small handful of aldermen voted against the museum, which
will feature Lucas' collection of paintings, illustrations and
digital art.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel has backed the project, saying it will create
jobs and expand cultural opportunities on the lakefront, where
there are other museums, arenas and parks.
"We have a museum and all the cultural and economic enrichment
that comes with it," Emanuel told reporters after the meeting.
The design for the building, which looks like a gleaming white
mountain with a silver halo on top, has been modified in
response to criticism that an early version was too intrusive.
The Chicago Bears football team, which plays at Soldier Field,
also successfully pressured for changes to the initial design,
winning back space for fans who have tailgate parties outside
the stadium before games.
A Chicago parks protection group sued the city last year to
block the museum, saying it would violate an Illinois state
trust meant to ensure the area is kept free and open for access
to activities on Lake Michigan. The lawsuit is ongoing.
(Writing by Fiona Ortiz; Additional reporting by Mary
Wisniewski; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
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