from LAWRENCE STOKUS
South Beach gadfly
UPDATE: The Windy City beat out other cities, including a contentious battle against San Francisco, winning the bid to build an interactive museum for “Star Wars” creator George Lucas. – CNN
As we await George Lucas’ decision as to where he wants to locate his museum, keep several things in mind:
1. Locating the Lucas Museum on Lot 330 is an excellent choice and the neighborhood (and the city) seem to be wholly in favor of the concept. However, the museum location is just one aspect of the project.
2. Equally important is how the Port and the City will handle the redevelopment of the South Beach waterfront in conjunction with the Lucas Museum project. Namely, what will happen to the derelict piers (26, 28, 30-32 & 38) that are now sitting empty and obstructing the South Beach waterfront?
3. This is a great opportunity to have both a world class museum and a world class waterfront in South Beach. We must focus on both aspects of the project.
Personally, use of PG&E’s old/abandend power station (Station A) in Mission Bay, would be a more intersting place for the Lucas Museum. Similar to London’s Tate Museum in some respects. Regardless, hope something good comes of the old station.