Watch CBS News

City To Ask Judge To Allow Construction Of Lucas Museum To Move Forward

CHICAGO (CBS) — For fear of losing a $400 million project along Chicago's lakefront, the city is making plea to a judge. At stake, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.

CBS 2's Audrina Bigos has more on the developing story.

Right now, there's an injunction in place that bans any construction on the Lucas Museum from happening along the lakefront. The city of Chicago is asking a judge to lift that ban.

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, wants to replace a parking lot just south of Soldier Field with a 300,000 square foot, $400 million museum named after him.

Back in December, Friends of the Parks claimed the Lucas Museum is an illegal giveaway of protected lakefront land.

What the city is concerned about a lawsuit filed by the group. The city says it puts the whole project at risk by halting construction.

The hold-up could push Lucas to another city, prompting the city's filing in federal court today, asking a judge to let construction begin.

So, if the Chicago gets its way what would be inside this space age building? Lucas' collection of American art and movie memorabilia.

Friends of the Park has said they welcome the museum, but just in a different place. There is a hearing on the matter on Wednesday.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.