Cities seek Lucas museum

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco politicians and property groups are rolling out the welcome mat for George Lucas’ collection of American art and movie memorabilia in an effort to keep the “Star Wars” creator from building his proposed museum in Chicago or Los Angeles.

Mayor Ed Lee had banners reading “George Lucas, please build your museum in San Francisco for the world to enjoy” hung Friday at both City Hall and the waterfront parcel known as Seawall Lot 330 that the city hopes will be the future home of the Lucas Cultural Arts Museum, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Lee also sent Lucas a letter this week assuring him of support.

A neighborhood association that joined in fighting the hotel-condo project has added its voice to the chorus backing the Lucas museum. The board of the South Beach/ Rincon/Mission Bay Neighborhood Association sent its own letter to Lucas this week expressing its backing. An association that represents condominium owners at a complex that already sits on the seawall site did the same.

Both Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti have been trying to entice the director to build the museum in their cities.

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