The statement that “the finances of a hotel would not work in Oak Park” by Mid-America Development Partners is equivalent to: No demand exists in Oak Park for a hotel. As is obvious, Oak Park lacks a significant tourist draw other than Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. If and when a significant draw is created, then the demand for a hotel will exist and many firms will be interested in locating one here. Such a significant draw would be our concept for an arts and cultural center, including, as in our most recent proposal, 12 restaurants, two banquet halls, a large fine and performing arts center with galleries, workshops, a research library, multi-media facility, production and broadcast facilities, classrooms, three performance venues, and a modest convention center, all in the context of a retail mix and outdoor fountains and gardens. The shell cost of $25 million would be met by state, corporate, and philanthropic grants. That would be a tourist and convention draw that would enervate any commercial district, particularly that of Oak Park. The demand for a hotel would organically follow.
Les Golden
Since the one remaining developer has not seen the need to get out of town, with billions in the bank, why knock us up for millions that we do not have? Perhaps the “wealthy” park district can lend the village part of the millions that they are planning to spend. After all, without Oak Park, we would have no need for million-dollar renewals of parks that nobody really values for their green space. When going past Field Center, the most activity we have noted has been a baseball game that could have gone on before the millions were spent for “new” and waste of our natural resources-the trees. Mr. Golden is correct. We do not need more condos or apartments. We need culture and art to attract people. This would go well with our F.L. Wright Mecca. It would not remain empty like our hundreds of vacant apartments and condos.
Jean Heyes
Why is Les Golden always pushing for a convention center? There is a giant convention center at McCormick, 15 minutes from Oak Park with public transportation running to it from the airports. Then there is another, 15 minutes in another direction in Rosemont next door to O’Hare. Cut it out, Les. you are not making any sense; unless of course your intention is to build a big empty building that the village will have to buy in 20 years.
Greg Ayers
I think Mr. Ayers is incorrect. I think a “modest” convention center, focusing on Oak Park tourism strengths to draw Wright and Hemingway meetings, would be desirable. “Modest” means there’s no desire to host the automobile or restaurant show! With cultural and educational benefits, I can’t share Mr. Ayers’ belief that the fine and performing arts building would be empty. I think it would be a tourist draw and I admire Mr. Golden’s persistence in suggesting it.
Conrad Hirsch
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