Park Advocates Face Uphill Battle Against Obama Library, Lucas Museum

Geoff Edgers details the challenge ahead for park advocates fighting to protect Chicago open space from two powerful forces: the White House and George Lucas.

1 minute read

May 1, 2015, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


According to Geoff Edgers, two already formidable political forces have a powerful ally in Chicago Mayor Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who "has been trying to clear prime space – against the wishes of park advocates – for Barack Obama’s presidential library and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art."

Edgers's premise is that park advocates will have a tough time fending off the potential developments, as evidenced by recent developments in either case.

"First, word spread that Cassandra Francis, the loudest voice in the battle to keep the projects out of green space, resigned as president of the Friends of the Parks advocacy group. Within 36 hours, a bill designed to make it easier to build on the kinds of plots she’s been pushing to protect quickly passed through the state legislature. Gov. Bruce Rauner (R-Ill.) can sign any day."

Edgers provides a rundown on the ire the proposals have provoked, beginning first with the idea of building the Obama Library on 22 acres inside Washington Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and then discussing the details of the position taken by park advocates against the proposed site of the Lucas Museum.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

1 hour ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

2 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

3 hours ago - Cities Today

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Home and Land Services Coordinator

Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA