6-Jul-17 – Asked to propose a plan to hide equipment on its roof that neighbors say is an eyesore, Museum of Contemporary Art has offered four. The neighbors, mostly owners of condominium units worth up to $1.3 million, are now voting on the options, with 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins serving as intermediary.

Residents of four condo buildings on East Pearson Street say the equipment will lower their property values. They have met with MCA a few times, most recently on June 23, and have been told that while the equipment cannot be removed, the museum is prepared to enclose the equipment in a green screen at a cost to them of $250,000.

Hopkins says he knew from the start that the matter was going to be “contentious.” While MCA is within its rights to locate the equipment on its roof, he says, and does not require a zoning change, he asked the museum to “take a second look” and come up with more options. He invited MCA to work with a building engineer from the City of Chicago.

Neighbors have until Friday to go to the alderman’s website and vote. After reviewing the results, Hopkins will recommend one of the proposed solutions to MCA’s board of directors.

“We hope they will accept our suggestion,” said a spokesperson for Hopkins on Wednesday.