Another massive L for Chicago.
In 2014, George Lucas picked Chicago for a $1 billion privately funded museum for his legendary collection - Star Wars artifacts, Norman Rockwell paintings, etc. Zero taxpayer dollars.
A left-wing nonprofit (“Friends of the Parks”) sued, claiming a parking lot was sacred “public trust land.” After years of delays, Lucas said screw it and took the whole thing to LA.
Opening this September. It looks incredible.
Meanwhile, Chicago rammed through the Obama Presidential Center on 19.3 acres of historic Jackson Park.
• Originally ~$300M → now $850M (nearly 3x over)
• Promised 2021 opening → now opening June 2026 (5 years late)
• Promised $470M endowment so taxpayers wouldn’t get stuck → only ~$1M deposited
One museum Chicago blocked.
One museum Chicago rammed through.
Chicago’s priorities on full display.