Northerly Island Development News

***i_am_hydrogen*** · March 29th, 2005, 08:50 PM

Meigs concerts to rev up in June

By Hal Dardick
Tribune staff reporter
Published March 29, 2005

Come summer, concertgoers at Northerly Island will bask in breezes off Lake Michigan while facing a stage framed by views of Burnham Harbor, Soldier Field and downtown Chicago under plans the Chicago Park District revealed to the public Monday.

The temporary 8,000-seat entertainment venue at Northerly Island, the former site of Meigs Field, will have three sets of bleachers that rise 26 feet and form an arc around ground-level seats. The bleachers will face a 40-foot-high covered rectangular, metal stage flanked by speakers that will direct sound toward the lake.

The speakers will be flanked by large panels to hold banner advertising for commercial products during concerts and messages from the Park District at other times, said Arnold Randall, the district's director of planning and development.

Concession stands will be located north of the seating, and paths will lead from the venue to other parts of Northerly Island, a 78-acre peninsula that opened to the public last year.

"It's very minimalist, but tasteful," said Bob O'Neill, president of the Grant Park Advisory Council, referring to the design by Valerio Dewalt Train Associates.

Between 25 and 30 music and family events will be held at the venue to raise money for a multimillion-dollar nature park long favored by Mayor Richard Daley. Park District officials also hope it will generate interest in the nature park and help attract private donations.

District officials also revealed other details about new uses for Northerly Island, where Daley ordered Meigs' sole runway destroyed in March 2003, citing concerns about terrorism.

Rotary International, which will hold its annual convention in June in Chicago, where Rotary was born 100 years ago, will plant a garden behind the 12th Street beach house on Northerly Island.

"They really want to create something of substance and beauty to commemorate their 100th anniversary," Randall said.

Planning is under way for several programs, including nature-oriented children's activities, bird and nature walks and a Family Adventure Day featuring team events, exercises, games, fishing and rock-climbing, Randall said.

The entertainment venue will be built by a local subsidiary of San Antonio-based Clear Channel Entertainment. The district is negotiating a final contract with the company, which was selected last month to run the venue.

The contract with Clear Channel would be for three years with options for two one-year extensions, district officials said.

District officials have declined to publicly disclose how much revenue they expect the concert venue to generate, but they told community groups recently that they expect it to bring in $800,000 to $1 million.

The money will be used to maintain Northerly Island and help pay for the planning of the nature park, district Gen. Supt. Timothy Mitchell said.

"The event venue is an integral part of the district's ultimate goal to create a world-class nature park," Mitchell said.

After a series of recent public brainstorming sessions, the Park District is drafting three plans for a nature park to present to the public in the fall, he said.

Park District officials have not announced a price tag for the nature park, but an 8-year-old proposal by the Lake Michigan Federation said a similar proposal would cost $26 million.

Since removing the runway at Meigs, the city and district have spent about $4 million to clean the site and create a temporary park, according to city documents.

Both the Grant Park Advisory Council and Friends of the Parks, the city's leading parks-watchdog group, agreed to back the entertainment venue, based on district pledges that it will not become a permanent feature.

"It will help speed up development of the nature park," said the advisory council's O'Neill. "It's a necessary compromise."

At the end of each three-month concert season, the venue will be dismantled and stored.

"We had hoped they could take it down at the end of each concert, but I guess that is too cost prohibitive," said Erma Tranter, president of Friends of the Parks.

To lessen the environmental impact of the concert venue, its size was scaled back to 4.6 acres from nearly 7.Construction is expected to start in late April or early May, with the concert season starting in late June, after the bird migratory season.

Backers of the nature park have floated the idea of having a bird rehabilitation center on Northerly Island, noting it is a major stop for migrating birds.

A temporary bird rehabilitation center will open this summer, perhaps in the former Meigs' terminal, Mitchell said.

O'Neill, meanwhile, has asked that the concert venue's designer, Valerio Dewalt Train, consult with Studio Gang, an architecture firm that built the Ford Calumet Environmental Center, designed to prevent birds from crashing into its glass.

Randall said such a meeting is being set up.

To avoid marring the landscape with portable toilets, trailers containing bathrooms will be used. Parking would be available at the underground garage at Soldier Field.

geoff_diamond · March 30th, 2005, 07:13 AM

This whole concert thing still rubs me the wrong way. They'll be lucky if they don't lose money on the whole proposition. There are better ways to raise the funds necessary to fulfill Daley's ultimate dream for Northerly Island than a couple of concerts.

Azn_chi_boi · March 30th, 2005, 01:38 PM

I hope this never works, doing that is like putting a Wal-Mart there.

The Urban Politician · March 30th, 2005, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azn_chi_boi

I hope this never works, doing that is like putting a Wal-Mart there.

^Why would you not want this to work? If it brings funds to build northerly park, wouldn't you be happy? I'm sure I would.

As long as it's not a permanent venue, I don't have a big qualm with it

Azn_chi_boi · March 31st, 2005, 12:03 AM

O, I thought this was Perament.

Anyhow, I dont think that this wont gain anymoney unless the people who plays the concert is special or if the seats are cheap.

Won't the people hear it from LSD, and wont the animals be deaf if they live by it(either land or water)?

VEDRAN · March 31st, 2005, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azn_chi_boi

Won't the people hear it from LSD, and wont the animals be deaf if they live by it(either land or water)?

FarNWburb · March 31st, 2005, 03:22 AM

ROTFL Azn....
I believe Ray Liotta says it best to Joe Pesci in Goodfellas....
"YOUR A FUNNY GUY"

Keep em comming kid, you have definately made our forum more fun.

mypetrobot · March 31st, 2005, 04:00 AM

keep it in mind the kid says he's only 13. i mean come on. what the hell where you thinking about when you were 13? i can tell you i was thinking about gi joes and a girl named britany.

Chicago3rd · March 31st, 2005, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geoff_diamond

This whole concert thing still rubs me the wrong way. They'll be lucky if they don't lose money on the whole proposition. There are better ways to raise the funds necessary to fulfill Daley's ultimate dream for Northerly Island than a couple of concerts.

But they have had several huge concerts in the south part of Grant Park for the last few summers....very popular. Made lots of money and was shown on cable. So perhaps....they know it will work?

I just wish we could make sure that all the profit goes directly into that park.

EastSider · March 31st, 2005, 07:52 PM

A summer performance venue on the water? Anyone think Milwaukee could see some competition with it's Summerfest if a project like this continues to grow in Chicago? Something to think about...

Chicago3rd · March 31st, 2005, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastSider

A summer performance venue on the water? Anyone think Milwaukee could see some competition with it's Summerfest if a project like this continues to grow in Chicago? Something to think about...

RuPaul is at PrideFest this year! Bunch of us are booking hotels for that festival. It is so cool.

dancethingy · April 1st, 2005, 03:20 AM

You aren't the only Azn Chi Boy in Chi-town Azn Chi Boy. I would meet with you right now, but I'm in the Philippines right now for a long awaited vacation. I haven't been back in my homeland for 15 years. Anyways, just wanted to correct your glaringly inaccurate assumption.

i'm glad not to be alone

Azn_chi_boi · April 1st, 2005, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dancethingy

You aren't the only Azn Chi Boy in Chi-town Azn Chi Boy. I would meet with you right now, but I'm in the Philippines right now for a long awaited vacation. I haven't been back in my homeland for 15 years. Anyways, just wanted to correct your glaringly inaccurate assumption.

i'm glad not to be alone

ok I stand corrected. Have fun on your trip back. I am happy to meet another asian person from chicago. and I will change my signature, to say one of the few Azns.

Back on the subject, Is the concert indoor or outdoor, becuase when its outdoor and rains... thats bad.

mypetrobot · April 1st, 2005, 05:29 AM

i'm half polish and half korean. ya i know not the most common mix. sorry to bring the thread off topic though.

EastSider · April 2nd, 2005, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chicago3rd

RuPaul is at PrideFest this year! Bunch of us are booking hotels for that festival. It is so cool.

??

itsnotrequired · April 29th, 2005, 05:41 PM

http://www.bisonarium.com/index.html

Chicago3rd · April 29th, 2005, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastSider

??

What was the question for...someone mentioned SummerFest in Milwaukee and I said PrideFest this year will have RuPaul.

It would be cool to have something like the Fest Area in Milwaukee here in Chicago.

Frumie · April 29th, 2005, 06:18 PM

At first glance I thought the bisonarium proposal some sort of joke; but on second thought and and thinking about the problem--how to attract people to the southern end of Northerly Island--a bisonarium makes lots of sense. A small, well-maintained herd would have wide appeal, and a few head sold each year (bison meat is widely popular once again) could defray some of the expense. Bison do well on grassland that is maintained by a prairie dog colony; these are also proven attractions out west. I look forward to the suggestions of others.

itsnotrequired · April 29th, 2005, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frumie

At first glance I thought the bisonarium proposal some sort of joke; but on second thought and and thinking about the problem--how to attract people to the southern end of Northerly Island--a bisonarium makes lots of sense. A small, well-maintained herd would have wide appeal, and a few head sold each year (bison meat is widely popular once again) could defray some of the expense. Bison do well on grassland that is maintained by a prairie dog colony; these are also proven attractions out west. I look forward to the suggestions of others.

Excellent, well thought-out ideas. I would add that allowing children to ride the bison, possibly even in Lake Michigan, would be a great idea as well. They could then enjoy the father of said riden bison in burger form at a local "bison-burger" joint (patent pending).

mypetrobot · April 29th, 2005, 06:37 PM

plus how many other cities can lay claim about a bisonarium.... at the most a ratarium or pigeonarium.

i like it.

March 29th, 2005, 08:50 PM	#1
*i_am_hydrogen* muted Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 7,193 Likes (Received): 8	Northerly Island Development News Meigs concerts to rev up in June By Hal Dardick Tribune staff reporter Published March 29, 2005 Come summer, concertgoers at Northerly Island will bask in breezes off Lake Michigan while facing a stage framed by views of Burnham Harbor, Soldier Field and downtown Chicago under plans the Chicago Park District revealed to the public Monday. The temporary 8,000-seat entertainment venue at Northerly Island, the former site of Meigs Field, will have three sets of bleachers that rise 26 feet and form an arc around ground-level seats. The bleachers will face a 40-foot-high covered rectangular, metal stage flanked by speakers that will direct sound toward the lake. The speakers will be flanked by large panels to hold banner advertising for commercial products during concerts and messages from the Park District at other times, said Arnold Randall, the district's director of planning and development. Concession stands will be located north of the seating, and paths will lead from the venue to other parts of Northerly Island, a 78-acre peninsula that opened to the public last year. "It's very minimalist, but tasteful," said Bob O'Neill, president of the Grant Park Advisory Council, referring to the design by Valerio Dewalt Train Associates. Between 25 and 30 music and family events will be held at the venue to raise money for a multimillion-dollar nature park long favored by Mayor Richard Daley. Park District officials also hope it will generate interest in the nature park and help attract private donations. District officials also revealed other details about new uses for Northerly Island, where Daley ordered Meigs' sole runway destroyed in March 2003, citing concerns about terrorism. Rotary International, which will hold its annual convention in June in Chicago, where Rotary was born 100 years ago, will plant a garden behind the 12th Street beach house on Northerly Island. "They really want to create something of substance and beauty to commemorate their 100th anniversary," Randall said. Planning is under way for several programs, including nature-oriented children's activities, bird and nature walks and a Family Adventure Day featuring team events, exercises, games, fishing and rock-climbing, Randall said. The entertainment venue will be built by a local subsidiary of San Antonio-based Clear Channel Entertainment. The district is negotiating a final contract with the company, which was selected last month to run the venue. The contract with Clear Channel would be for three years with options for two one-year extensions, district officials said. District officials have declined to publicly disclose how much revenue they expect the concert venue to generate, but they told community groups recently that they expect it to bring in $800,000 to $1 million. The money will be used to maintain Northerly Island and help pay for the planning of the nature park, district Gen. Supt. Timothy Mitchell said. "The event venue is an integral part of the district's ultimate goal to create a world-class nature park," Mitchell said. After a series of recent public brainstorming sessions, the Park District is drafting three plans for a nature park to present to the public in the fall, he said. Park District officials have not announced a price tag for the nature park, but an 8-year-old proposal by the Lake Michigan Federation said a similar proposal would cost $26 million. Since removing the runway at Meigs, the city and district have spent about $4 million to clean the site and create a temporary park, according to city documents. Both the Grant Park Advisory Council and Friends of the Parks, the city's leading parks-watchdog group, agreed to back the entertainment venue, based on district pledges that it will not become a permanent feature. "It will help speed up development of the nature park," said the advisory council's O'Neill. "It's a necessary compromise." At the end of each three-month concert season, the venue will be dismantled and stored. "We had hoped they could take it down at the end of each concert, but I guess that is too cost prohibitive," said Erma Tranter, president of Friends of the Parks. To lessen the environmental impact of the concert venue, its size was scaled back to 4.6 acres from nearly 7.Construction is expected to start in late April or early May, with the concert season starting in late June, after the bird migratory season. Backers of the nature park have floated the idea of having a bird rehabilitation center on Northerly Island, noting it is a major stop for migrating birds. A temporary bird rehabilitation center will open this summer, perhaps in the former Meigs' terminal, Mitchell said. O'Neill, meanwhile, has asked that the concert venue's designer, Valerio Dewalt Train, consult with Studio Gang, an architecture firm that built the Ford Calumet Environmental Center, designed to prevent birds from crashing into its glass. Randall said such a meeting is being set up. To avoid marring the landscape with portable toilets, trailers containing bathrooms will be used. Parking would be available at the underground garage at Soldier Field.

April 1st, 2005, 03:20 AM	#12
dancethingy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 731 Likes (Received): 0	Azn Chi Boy not only Asian Chi boy in Forum You aren't the only Azn Chi Boy in Chi-town Azn Chi Boy. I would meet with you right now, but I'm in the Philippines right now for a long awaited vacation. I haven't been back in my homeland for 15 years. Anyways, just wanted to correct your glaringly inaccurate assumption. i'm glad not to be alone

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March 30th, 2005, 07:13 AM	#2
geoff_diamond Live from the Loop Join Date: May 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,578 Likes (Received): 0	This whole concert thing still rubs me the wrong way. They'll be lucky if they don't lose money on the whole proposition. There are better ways to raise the funds necessary to fulfill Daley's ultimate dream for Northerly Island than a couple of concerts.

March 30th, 2005, 01:38 PM	#3
Azn_chi_boi BANNED Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bridgeport + Chinatown, Chicago Posts: 4,269 Likes (Received): 0	I hope this never works, doing that is like putting a Wal-Mart there.

March 31st, 2005, 12:03 AM	#5
Azn_chi_boi BANNED Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bridgeport + Chinatown, Chicago Posts: 4,269 Likes (Received): 0	O, I thought this was Perament. Anyhow, I dont think that this wont gain anymoney unless the people who plays the concert is special or if the seats are cheap. Won't the people hear it from LSD, and wont the animals be deaf if they live by it(either land or water)?

March 31st, 2005, 03:22 AM	#7
FarNWburb Rockford, IL Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: West Comiskey Posts: 23 Likes (Received): 0	ROTFL Azn.... I believe Ray Liotta says it best to Joe Pesci in Goodfellas.... "YOUR A FUNNY GUY" Keep em comming kid, you have definately made our forum more fun.

March 31st, 2005, 04:00 AM	#8
mypetrobot Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 194 Likes (Received): 0	keep it in mind the kid says he's only 13. i mean come on. what the hell where you thinking about when you were 13? i can tell you i was thinking about gi joes and a girl named britany.

March 31st, 2005, 07:52 PM	#10
EastSider Fresh Coast Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,704 Likes (Received): 0	A summer performance venue on the water? Anyone think Milwaukee could see some competition with it's Summerfest if a project like this continues to grow in Chicago? Something to think about...

April 1st, 2005, 05:29 AM	#14
mypetrobot Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 194 Likes (Received): 0	i'm half polish and half korean. ya i know not the most common mix. sorry to bring the thread off topic though.

April 29th, 2005, 05:41 PM	#16
itsnotrequired Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 243 Likes (Received): 0	http://www.bisonarium.com/index.html

April 29th, 2005, 06:18 PM	#18
Frumie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 717 Likes (Received): 0	At first glance I thought the bisonarium proposal some sort of joke; but on second thought and and thinking about the problem--how to attract people to the southern end of Northerly Island--a bisonarium makes lots of sense. A small, well-maintained herd would have wide appeal, and a few head sold each year (bison meat is widely popular once again) could defray some of the expense. Bison do well on grassland that is maintained by a prairie dog colony; these are also proven attractions out west. I look forward to the suggestions of others.

April 29th, 2005, 06:37 PM	#20
mypetrobot Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 194 Likes (Received): 0	plus how many other cities can lay claim about a bisonarium.... at the most a ratarium or pigeonarium. i like it.