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Originally Posted by Via Chicago
its hard to be "let down" but something that is still in the planning stages and is years away from opening and being able to evaluate on its own merits. that said the weight of the expectations placed on this thing, the notion that its single handedly going to transform the city and the south side, isnt all that unlike the unrealistic expectations places on this guys presidency. it could never possibly live up to it.
i really dont know what people are expecting, but they are largely taking the right approach IMO and the records thing is being blown out of proportion. for 99% of people that will remain irrelevant.
still wish theyd find another spot for the stupid garage.
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I haven't followed the plans closely and don't know what is realistically expected. But notable to me is how this area is not exactly a backwater as it stands. One of the world's great universities...a science museum that attracts about 1.5Mil annually...several other attractions around campus or nearby....that and the hospital are major employers..... Yet, all of that only got us so far. One more institution will be a plus - I can imagine a slew of possible economic and educational benefits - and perhaps it will help put the entire area "over the top," but probably a good idea to temper enthusiasm a bit.
Like others, I wonder about the location. Not only in an Olmstead park, but on Stony Island rather than a location with commercial appeal or a way to keep people in the neighborhood rather than have them leave the Center, see nothing around them worth approaching, walk toward their car or Metra, not pass a single business and simply head home or to their hotel. MSI is similar in that regard. Seems like a missed opportunity to provide a more direct benefit to the community and provide a richer experience for visitors.