Chicago Construction News staff writer
A plan to redevelop Chicago’s Museum Campus proposes increasing the 57-acre park complex’s accessibility and connectivity to the greater metropolitan area and connecting the myriad cultural venues. A working group led by Mayor Lori Lightfoot released a 57-page report outlining their vision.
Recommendations include building a dome over Soldier Field, expanding stadium concourses, adding more seats and more premium seats.
“This is an exciting step as we continue our efforts to invest in making our city more equitable and keeping Chicago a must-see destination,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said on Twitter, following the release of the Museum Campus report.
“The reimagined Museum Campus will enhance the city’s world-class institutions and important natural spaces with exciting new gathering places, improved physical access, and additional public amenities.”
- a new performing arts facility next to Soldier Field
- adding trams around the museum campus
- linking different parts of the campus with bridges
- creating erial gondolas and/or a monorail using clean energy
- building a tourist attraction hotel with a Disney-feel
- Transforming Solidarity Drive into a pedestrian plaza
- Removing Burnham Harbor and “replacing it with parking
- Floating pavilions
A dome would make the nearly century-old stadium more desirable for the Chicago Bears and other potential users, if it is economically and architecturally viable. The Bears signed a purchase agreement for Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Ill., and could build a stadium complex there.
