George Lucas museum panel recommends Chicago lakefront location

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's efforts to land the George Lucas Museum could mean a brand new building along the city's lakefront Museum Campus.

While the exact location of the "Stars Wars" mastermind's museum has yet to be determined, the panel appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel recommends it be built on a parking lot on Museum Campus.

But the organization Friends of the Parks said that plan violates the goal of continuous public open space along the lakefront.

"While we are very supportive of the Lucas Cultural Arts Museum coming to Chicago, we oppose its siting on lakefront public open space," said Cassandra Francis, President of Friends of the Parks. "The Lakefront Protection Ordinance specifically states that, 'in no instance will further private development be permitted east of Lake Shore Drive'. It is clear that the siting of the Lucas Museum in this lakefront location contradicts our prior city visionaries' goal of continuous public open space along the lakefront."

Lucas has not made a decision himself. But his hometown of San Francisco remains in the running, despite a federal panel's rejection of the West Coast site. That was Lucas' top choice.

If museum is built in the Windy City, Lucas would want it built near the water, enveloped in nature and centrally-located.

City officials said even if the museum is built on Chicago Park District land or other city property, it will not be funded by taxpayer money.

The museum will surely drum up excitement among "Star Wars" fans, young and old, should George Lucas decide to build in Chicago.