From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 20s
Griffin MSI 'carbuncle' needs approval
Chicago Park District says Griffin Museum's planned entry hall requires final review before construction.
In brief
Chicago Park District says Griffin Museum's planned entry hall requires final review before construction. Chicago Park District has not given final construction approval for Griffin Museum of Science and Industry's Welcome Hall, which critics call a 'carbuncle' obstructing historic views. Originally reported by…
Welcome Hall proposal
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry plans a two-story Welcome Hall at its north entrance.
“The Welcome Hall proposed for the north entrance of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, though given the nod from city officials, needs the Chicago Park District’s approval.”
Chicago Park District stance
The park district has not given final construction approval for the project.
“The District has not given final construction approval”
Design changes requested
The park district originally asked the museum to consider design changes to the Welcome Hall.
“originally asked the museum to consider changes to the design”
Landmark approval process
The project passed Landmarks Illinois and Illinois State Historic Preservation Office reviews.
“after reviewing Landmarks Illinois’ letter of support and the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office’s written determination”
Construction requirements
The Welcome Hall requires final construction drawings and an access permit for contractor protection.
“Griffin MSI must return to us with final construction documents for review and approval and obtain an access permit for its contractor to protect park assets during construction”
Historic context
The Welcome Hall would sit in front of the Greek Revival museum entrance but connect via a 124-foot glass hallway.
“Planned on the museum’s expansive front lawn, the Welcome Hall would sit in front of the Greek Revival institution’s main entrance but connect to it by way of a 124-foot glass hallway that digs straight through the center of the building’s limestone exterior stairs”
Critics' view
The architect called the Welcome Hall a 'carbuncle' obstructing historic views.
“My column earlier this week said the plan should be sent back to the drawing board and called the proposed structure a carbuncle in the park that would obstruct views of the historic entrance like a big old wide-brimmed hat blocking the screen at the movie theater”
Next steps
The park district will review final construction drawings before a potential decision.
“The park district must now review final construction drawings, a step that could represent a potential firewall in the museum’s path toward constructing the arch-backed, 458-foot wide limestone and glass structure”
Potential outcome
The review could lead to design changes for better accessibility and gathering spaces.
“Perhaps the park district’s review will provide a chance to pump the breaks on the proposal and lead to a better design aimed at providing the improved museum accessibility and gathering spaces that Griffin MSI officials are seeking”
Historic site
The museum sits on a Greek Revival architectural landmark in Jackson Park.
“The park district owns the Greek Revival architectural landmark, which sits in historic Jackson Park at 57th Street and DuSable Lake Shore Drive”
The takeaway
Chicago Park District has not given final construction approval for Griffin Museum of Science and Industry's Welcome Hall, which critics call a 'carbuncle' obstructing historic views.
