Lucasfilm's plans for a new digital production facility in Marin County, CA took another step closer to becoming a reality as Marin County public officials voted unanimously to allow the project to move forward on Monday evening. According to the source article at MarinIJ.com, some neighbors had cited concerns over such a massive complex coming into their community, but Lucas' history of environmental responsibility seemed to help his cause for the new studio. Here's how MarinIJ.com describes the planned complex:
"Lucas wants to transform 52 acres into a three-story digital technology production center flanked by two towers rising amid 187 acres of open space. Plans feature 51,000 square feet of film stages, 27,918 square feet of screening rooms, a 4,381-square-foot cafe, a 1,151-square-foot kitchen, 20 units providing 11,228 square feet of guest quarters, a general store and a gym. The building will top underground parking for 202 cars and 24 bicycles.
Outside, plans include nine bridges spanning creeks, as well as a 4,000-square-foot cave to age casks of wine from the filmmaker's 35 acres of vineyards. Excavated material will be used to build a knoll hiding."