| Image from Chicago Tribune |
The concert pavilion at Northerly Island could expand this summer with new lawn seating that could hold 20,000 people.
Under the proposal by the Chicago Park District, 5.9 acres of land by the Charter One Pavilion may be reconfigured to feature lawn-style seating and additional trees. Plans also include increasing the seasonal venue's fixed seating from 8,000 to 8,600, according to an agenda for the city's Plan Commission.
"No global city in the world has this opportunity to have lawn seating in a nature area out on the water in a vibrant, major downtown area with a world-class skyline as a backdrop," said Bob O'Neill, president of the Grant Park Conservancy and Advisory Council.
The Plan Commission is set to meet at 1 p.m. Thursday at City Hall to vote on the $3 million project. If approved, the landscaping project, funded by Live Nation entertainment company, would start in the spring, said Bob Foster, a senior project manager for the Park District.Seems like a good move to us. Anyone feel otherwise?
While different, but related, we're curious if there is any update on the planned changes for the southern part of Northely Island. As you may recall from older Sloopin posts, there were some grand plans and from what we could tell some movement on this project.
I hope Kilts stay out of Motor Row.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to go to a show there and I am in favor of a permanent installation there, something that might perhaps accommodate something apart from concerts. But 20k seems a bit much. Part of what appears to make that venue special is that it is so intimate while having such a great view. Also not sure that a 20k stadium fits with the supposed nature reserve that was the whole plan for Northerly Island. Something about having all those people pissing on the native prairie grass at intermission strikes me as odd. Not to mention that soldier field is a stone's throw away and can already hold that many.
ReplyDeleteSomething like a combination of the Wallace Bowl in Willmette and Ravinia Festival in HP would be a great venue! All for it. Besides most people will piss in the lake during intermission...if the fish do it so can I
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