Chicago Children’s Museum in Grant Park
Friends of Downtown opposes, as a matter of principle, relocation of the Chicago Children's Museum into Grant Park, land set aside by Chicago's founders as a park that is forever free, open and clear of any buildings whatever. The recent change in the proposed location from a site near Randolph Street to a site near Monroe Street does not address the concerns of our board and others who believe additional buildings in Grant Park are a bad idea—no matter what their cultural significance or popularity.

Our fight against development in Grant Park is not new. The 150-year old covenant that created Grant Park—the one that Montgomery Ward fought three court battles to successfully protect—prescribed a park that is forever free, open and clear. Since its creation, many factions—always with the best of intentions—have tried to encroach on the park.

As you know, most of those attempts have failed. And today, with a growing number of people coming to Millennium Park and more people living in downtown Chicago, there will be ever increasing pressure to have buildings of all shapes and sizes placed in Grant Park.

Therefore, allowing the Chicago Children’s Museum, or any museum, to build in historic Grant Park would set the stage for other museums and cultural attractions to do the same.

We certainly understand the appeal of the proposed location. So did the well-meaning civic leaders at the turn of the 20th century. But along with Montgomery Ward, we believe that Chicago’s founders intended Grant Park to be, as they said, “Public ground—a common to remain forever open, free and clear of any buildings or other obstructions whatever.” We don't believe they intended to exempt buildings partially below ground merely because they’re popular with the public.

In a downtown as vibrant as Chicago’s, the Children’s Museum certainly could find another location to build a signature children’s museum for Chicagoans of all ages to enjoy for generations.

Sept. 12, 2007: Friends of Downtown's letter to Mayor Daley

Sept. 18, 2007: Friends of Downtown Praises Ald. Reilly Decision to Protect Grant Park

The following statement is attributable to Tom Wolf, chairman of the Issues Committee of the Friends of Downtown:

We are pleased with Alderman Reilly’s support today for keeping Grant Park free, open and clear. We agree with the Alderman that this is not a neighborhood issue, but a City of Chicago issue that has historic precedence.

The Friends of Downtown believes the debate about allowing the Children’s Museum into Grant Park is a tipping point for the future of one of Chicago’s treasured open spaces. At some point, our leaders have to decide what Grant Park is going to be. Will it be a park with a ring of “pay-to-play” museums and activities? Or will it be a park that is free, open and clear as Montgomery Ward fought decades to preserve.

We applaud the leadership of Alderman Reilly and other like-minded organizations and leaders who are reviving the voice, tenacity and leadership of Montgomery Ward.

April 9, 2008 : Friends of Downtown's letter to aldermen