Jump to content

Barack Obama Presidential Center

Coordinates: 41°46′57″N 87°35′08″W / 41.78250°N 87.58556°W / 41.78250; -87.58556
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Barack Obama Presidential Center
Logo of the Obama Foundation, the non-profit organization that is overseeing the construction of the Barack Obama Presidential Center
Viewed from Solstice on the Park, September 2023
Map
General information
LocationJackson Park, Chicago, Illinois
Coordinates41°46′57″N 87°35′08″W / 41.78250°N 87.58556°W / 41.78250; -87.58556
Named forBarack Obama
Construction startedAugust 16, 2021[1]
InauguratedSpring 2026 (planned)
Cost$482 million[1]
ManagementValerie Jarrett, CEO
Kenvi Phillips, Director
Design and construction
Architect(s)Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, and Interactive Design Architects:
Landscape architect: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Site Design Group, and Living Habitats
Other information
Public transit accessBus interchangeCTA
Mainline rail interchange ME South Shore Line
Website
www.obama.org/presidential-center/

The Barack Obama Presidential Center is a planned museum, library and education project in Chicago to commemorate the presidency of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States.[2][3] The center will also include community and conference facilities and will house the nonprofit Obama Foundation. Construction on the 19.3 acre campus began in 2021, the tower topped out in mid-2024, and the center is expected to open in the first half of 2026.[4][5][6]

The center's work includes digitizing the Barack Obama Presidential Library with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), to create the first fully digitized presidential library.[2] The Library is administered by NARA, which will preserve hardcopies of documents at a separate NARA facility; however, many will be loaned to the Presidential Center for display.[2]

The center is located in Jackson Park on the South Side of Chicago, adjacent to the University of Chicago campus.[7] The university provides planning, support, engagement and programming.[8] Included within the center's plans is a new branch for the Chicago Public Library.[9]

Federal review ended in December 2020, with final completion in 2021.[10][11] Construction began in August 2021.[1][12]

Board and staff

[edit]
This article is part of
a series about
Barack Obama
Personal
Illinois State Senator and U.S. Senator from Illinois
44th President of the United States
Tenure
Policies
Appointments
Presidential campaigns
Barack Obama's signature
Seal of the President of the United States

The Obama Foundation board includes Chairman Marty Nesbitt, a close friend from Chicago; J. Kevin Poorman, president and CEO of PSP Capital Partners; David Plouffe; Obama's half-sister Maya Soetoro-Ng; venture capital financier John Doerr; Studio Museum in Harlem Director and Chief Curator Thelma Golden;[13] fundraiser and former White House Social Secretary Julianna Smoot; investment managers John Rogers and Michael Sacks; and former Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick.[14][15] Barack Obama has a home in Hyde Park.[16][17] The foundation was formally established in January 2014.[18]

Louise Bernard, outgoing Director of Exhibitions at NYPL, was named director of the Museum of the Obama Presidential Center in May 2017.[19] Michael Strautmanis became the vice-president of civic engagement for the foundation in 2016.[20]

Kenvi Phillips was appointed as the inaugural director of the Barack Obama Presidential Library for a term beginning June 16, 2024.[21]

Site selection

[edit]

In 2014, the Obama Foundation released details for institutions interested in being the location of the center.[22]

The foundation ultimately received bids from four institutions:

In May 2015, the foundation's board announced it had decided to build the center in partnership with the University of Chicago.[24] Obama taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School from 1992 to 2004.[25][26][27]

After the foundation's board had selected to build the center in partnership with the University of Chicago they began deciding between two possible locations, Washington Park and Jackson Park. They ultimately selected Jackson Park.[28]

In 2018, the Obama Foundation released the proposed bid by the University of Chicago, and the three other universities.[29] The 2014 bid revealed that the University of Chicago included various plans, such as combining the golf courses at South Shore and Jackson Park into a single “world class facility,” and the closing of Cornell Drive and other streets in the vicinity of Jackson Park in order to improve the connecting green space for museums located in a nearby area known as "Museum Campus South".[30]

Planning and design

[edit]

The University of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Chicago, the University of Hawaii, and Columbia University submitted proposals to host the institution.[31][32] In May 2015, the Barack Obama Foundation and Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that the foundation and the Barack Obama Presidential Center would be located in Chicago's South Side, and would be built in partnership with the University of Chicago.[33] Both the former president and his wife Michelle Obama stressed the importance of Chicago's South Side as an influence in their own lives. She said, "One of my greatest honors is being a proud Chicagoan, a daughter of the South Side. I still lead with that descriptor. I wear it boldly and proudly like a crown." [34]

A design advisory committee assisted in the selection of the architects. Members of the committee included sculptor Don Gummer (the husband of actress Meryl Streep); Ed Schlossberg of ESI Design (husband of Caroline Kennedy, the former U.S. ambassador to Japan); Fred Eychaner, a Chicago radio station owner and Democratic financier; and Architectural Digest magazine editor Margaret Russell.[35] Seven architectural firms were announced as finalists in December 2015 from an initial list of 140 applicants:[35] John Ronan Architects, Adjaye Associates, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, SHoP Architects, Snøhetta, and Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects.[36]

In June 2016, the foundation chose New York-based Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects and Chicago-based Interactive Design Architects to jointly lead the design and engineering of the center.[37][38] For the exhibition design, Ralph Appelbaum Associates, which worked on the National Museum of African American History, will lead a team including Civic Projects, Normal, and several local artists.[39] The landscape architect is Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, with Site Design Group, and Living Habitats.[40] Lakeside Alliance, which includes Turner Construction and a consortium of local African-American owned firms: Powers & Sons Construction, UJAMAA Construction, Brown & Momen, Safeway Construction, and Kates Security Services will build the center.[41]

Two parks near the University of Chicago's campus, Jackson Park and Washington Park, were considered.[33] On July 29, 2016, the foundation announced the selection of portion of Jackson Park in the Woodlawn neighborhood. Jackson Park, designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, already houses the Museum of Science and Industry and a golf course.[42]

Preliminary plans were unveiled in May 2017, involving three buildings in geometric shapes covered in light-colored stone, roughly 200,000 to 225,000 square feet (18,600 to 20,900 m2). The museum building (which will also include educational and meeting space) will be the tallest at 180 ft (55 m). The other buildings, a library building and a forum building, will be a single story. The latter building will feature an auditorium, a restaurant, and a public garden. In 2018, the center announced an agreement to place a Chicago Public Library branch within the complex.[9]

The unveiled plan incorporates the Jackson Park end of Midway Plaisance from the north (which would be readapted as a circular green space surrounding a water basin), and the entirety of the park's hockey field and adjoining parkland to the south, where the main buildings and new park landscaping are to be sited. As part of a wider plan to reclaim parkland and improve park safety, the project also necessitates the closure, between 60th and 67th streets, of South Cornell Drive, a 6-lane thoroughfare that runs along the western park lagoon and the park's golf course from Midway Plaisance to South Shore.[43] Without improvements to other roadways that will accommodate local traffic, these closures will result in nine intersections in the area to operate over capacity causing substantial traffic delays. These infrastructure changes would not be paid for by the Obama Foundation, and would require government funding,[44] expected to cost the city $175 million.[45]

In 2024, a fourth building designed by Moody Nolan Chicago and Renauld Deandre Mitchell designated The Programs and Athletics Center broke ground on the 19 acre campus.[46] To be called Home Court, the building is designed to include a regulation size basketball court and other athletic facilities and community meeting rooms.[47]

Local reaction

[edit]

Community Benefits Agreement

[edit]

The Obama Library South Side Community Benefits Agreement Coalition, a coalition of 19 community and activist groups, is seeking a community benefits agreement to require that the Obama Foundation, in partnership with the City of Chicago, set aside jobs for residents in the local communities, protect low-income housing and home owners, support and create Black businesses, and strengthen neighborhood schools.[48] Some residents have concerns about rising property taxes and rents that could displace many of the low-income Black residents.[49] Recent rent increases for residents living directly across from the site escalated concerns of displacement of residents, particularly those who have fixed incomes, and has drawn protests against local Aldermen who are in opposition of a community benefits agreement.[50] As of 2018, the Obama Foundation has so far refused to consider a community benefits agreement.[51]

The foundation has announced plans for community hiring.[52] An economic impact assessment estimates that about 28% of the 4,945 short-term construction jobs would go to South Side residents, with the remainder to the rest of Cook County. About 2,175 of the 2,536 long-term jobs would to go South Side residents, with the remainder to residents in rest of Cook County. It is estimated that the long-term jobs will bring in about $104 million in annual income to Cook County residents, or about $41,000 per job.[53]

In July 2019, local aldermen Jeanette Taylor and Leslie Hairston introduced an ordinance aimed at protecting affordable housing near the development.[54] The ordinance would require 30% of new units built in a 2-mile radius of the development to be affordable and offer right of first refusal for nearby tenants, among other benefits.[54] The ordinance earned support from nearly 30 aldermen in Chicago City Council.[55] In January 2020, Mayor Lori Lightfoot's administration announced that it would support a scaled-back version of a Community Benefits Agreement ordinance, but Taylor re-iterated support for the original ordinance.[55]

In July 2020, the Lightfoot administration and aldermen Taylor agreed on a compromise ordinance that went further than the administration's earlier proposal. The compromise ordinance would require that 30% of units on 52 city-owned lots in Woodlawn be reserved for residents making between 30% and 50% of the Area Median Income, that any building refinanced through the Preservation of Existing Affordable Rentals program must reserve 10% of units for those making less than 30% of the AMI and 10% for those making less than 50% of the AMI, that the city's Housing Department request $675,000 in federal funds to support a local program to promote homeownership among current residents, and that eligibility restrictions be loosened for Woodlawn's Home Improvement Grant Program.[56] The compromise was reached after negotiations between the administration, aldermen Taylor and Hairston, the CBA Coalition, and other community groups.[57] Taylor called the compromise ordinance a "step in the right direction" and, along with members of the CBA coalition, called for further action.[58]

Public land

[edit]

The nonprofit group Friends of the Parks opposes the loss of parkland to build the center and had threatened a lawsuit to block development.[33] In May 2018, the preservationist group "Protect Our Parks" filed a lawsuit, to prevent the part of Jackson Park, which dates from 1893, from being taken from the public and given to a private entity.[59] Mayor Emanuel was critical of the lawsuit.[60] Later that month, the plan to build the center was approved by the Chicago Plan Commission.[61]

In early August 2018, the Chicago Park District began cutting trees to relocate park facilities,[62] with the most notable being the Jackson Park athletic field.[63] On September 17, 2018, the Chicago Park District suspended its construction related to the Center following meetings with the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration.[64] On September 18, 2018, it was announced that the center will be owned by the city of Chicago once completed and that the Obama Foundation will not receive the tax-based operating or capital support, nor the perpetual leases which the 11 other museums in the city parks obtain.[65]

Chicago mayor and former Obama White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel submitted two ordinances to the Chicago City Council on September 20: the first would grant the Obama Foundation a 99-year lease on the Jackson Park site for $10.00 with various restrictions on the foundation's use, in return for the foundation's financial responsibility for maintaining and operating the city-owned project; the second allows the city to plow under Cornell Drive from 59th Street to Hayes Drive in order to reconfigure this area as green space.[66][67] The Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) ordinance amended a 2015 agreement with the park district concerning the Obama Presidential Center.[68] Under the new ordinance, the Presidential Center will comply with the Museum Act's free admission days requirements.[68] Parking fees for the center will also be regulated so they are consistent with the rates charged at the Museum of Science and Industry or in the North Garage adjacent to the Field Museum.[68] The ordinance will also ensure that these parking fees may solely be used to finance the center's operations, maintenance, management, and endowment funding.[68][69] On October 31, 2018, the Chicago city council unanimously approved the new proposals for the Obama Presidential Center.[70][71][72] Mayor Emanuel afterwards read a letter of thanks written by former President Obama.[70][71][72]

On October 24, 2018, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey held a status conference in the lawsuit filed by the group Protect Our Parks to prevent construction in Jackson Park.[73][74] Blakey indicated that both sides want a quick resolution and the court will not delay the lawsuit.[74][73] The city informed the court that they intend to seek a motion to dismiss after action by the City Council.[74][73] Discovery continued during the next few months.[73] On November 23, 2018, a motion was filed by the city of Chicago to dismiss the Protect Our Parks lawsuit.[75][76][77] This request was denied on February 19, 2019, by Judge Blakey,[78][79] allowing the lawsuit to proceed.[78] On June 11, 2019, Judge Blakey ruled on the parties' cross-motions for summary judgment and granted judgment in favor of the City and against Protect our Parks, dismissing the lawsuit to block construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park.[80][81][82] The case was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court in August 2021, which denied the requested injunction against the City. [83][84]

Other reactions

[edit]

Some University of Chicago faculty members signed a letter stating concerns about the design, raised questions about the estimated cost of transportation improvements, and stated that the plan is an "object-lesson in the mistakes of the past".[85] A counter-letter in support of the Obama Center was signed by other faculty in response.[86] The independent campus student newspaper, The Chicago Maroon wrote an editorial in support of the center that criticized the concerns raised by some faculty.[87]

Construction and fundraising

[edit]
November 2022

Construction of the center was originally expected to begin in late 2018 and be completed in 2020 or 2021.[35] A federal review of the project began in late 2017, responding to the local criticism and attempting to assess whether the project affects Jackson Park's status on the National Register of Historic Places.[88] This review will likely determine the start date of construction if the plan is approved.[89] Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects released the concept design for the center in 2017.[90] The architects said in February 2017 that construction of the center's museum and library would likely approach $300 million, and that the center would likely need an endowment of $1.5 billion.[91] In 2017, Obama reportedly was set to engage in a major fundraising effort for the center.[91] On July 27, 2018, the Obama Foundation announced that groundbreaking for the center would be delayed until sometime in 2019, and the center would not open in 2021, as was initially planned.[92]

The foundation's 2017 annual report, and its 2017 IRS filing, show that the Obama Foundation raised $232.6 million, on expenses of $23 million. The year after Obama left office was the first year the foundation lifted a cap on donations. While it lists its donors on its website, it no longer specifically links donors to exact amounts. While the Chicago city government has not promised that the foundation's endowment details will be disclosed publicly, its agreement with the foundation requires that the foundation may not proceed with construction of the center until the building endowment is secured.[93] On June 3, 2019, it was announced that a $5 million grant had been issued to the city of Chicago by the MacArthur Foundation for plans to build the new Chicago Public Library branch at the site of the proposed Obama Presidential Center.[94] Construction began in August 2021.[1] On September 28, 2021, the Obamas, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Lightfoot participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.[95]

In November 2022, construction of the library was temporarily halted for several days, after a noose was found on site.[96][97] A topping out ceremony was held in June 2024 for the center's tower.[4]

Obama presidential documents and artifacts

[edit]

The papers and artifacts from the Obama administration are being stored and processed inside a secure facility located at 2500 W. Golf Rd[98] in suburban Hoffman Estates,[43] northwest of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The records are to be digitized and stored in existing NARA facilities. By law, they are subject to Freedom of Information Act requests beginning in 2022.[99]

Federal review

[edit]

The federal government began a review of this project in 2017 because of Jackson Park's historic designation and potential changes to the roadways in and around the park. The review concluded four years later in 2021, and some design changes were made to meet objections raised in the review.[11]

In May 2018, the City of Chicago agreed to lease the land, 19.3 acres, to the OPC for 99 years. Once the construction is completed, the City of Chicago will own the center, per that 2018 city council agreement.[11] The mayor of Chicago has had concerns for homeowners in the area, leading the City Council to agree to spend funds to keep people in their homes or aid them in buying other homes.[11]

Concerns about gentrification of the neighborhood around the OPC and Jackson Park led to an agreement in August 2020 regarding home improvement funds for homes in Woodlawn. "In July, city officials negotiated a deal that will require developers to include affordable housing for projects on city-owned property in Woodlawn. The agreement, worked out with residents and the local alderman, will also provide up to $20,000 in funding for home improvement work to some homeowners."[100]

Those who favor this project see it as a huge investment in the South Side, with the new public library branch, as well as the Obama Presidential Center itself, immediate benefits in jobs and when the project is completed it is expected to be a draw for tourists as well as an asset to the people in the neighborhood. Opponents appealed the plans, but lost in a federal court.[101] They then appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, which in August 2021 refused to block the construction. Site construction began in August and a formal groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 28, 2021.[34]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Sweet, Lynn (August 16, 2021). "Obama Presidential Center costs detailed as groundbreaking takes place at Jackson Park". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on September 13, 2021. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c drupal (October 20, 2016). "About Us". Barack Obama Presidential Library. Archived from the original on June 24, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  3. ^ "The Obama Presidential Center". Barack Obama Foundation.org. Archived from the original on May 14, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
  4. ^ a b Sfondeles, Tina (June 10, 2024). "Yes, it did! Obama visits presidential center site as signature tower reaches full height". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  5. ^ "Obama Center gets skin in the game with fancy new granite cladding on its tower". Chicago Sun-Times. April 17, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  6. ^ Quig, A.D. (March 8, 2024). "Obama Presidential Center opening pushed from late 2025 to 2026". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
  7. ^ "Obama Foundation Announces Jackson Park as Site of the Obama Presidential Center" (Press release). Obama.org. July 29, 2016. Archived from the original on June 14, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
  8. ^ "FAQ on Obama Presidential Library". UChicago News. January 31, 2014. Archived from the original on April 16, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
  9. ^ a b Bowean, Lolly (May 2, 2018). "Obama Foundation announces new public library branch". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on May 2, 2018. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  10. ^ Yin, Alice (December 18, 2020). "Long-running federal review into Obama center concludes, groundbreaking tentatively set for 2021". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on December 18, 2020. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  11. ^ a b c d Cherone, Heather (February 4, 2021). "Feds Give Obama Presidential Center Green Light After 4-Year Review". WTTW News. Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  12. ^ Cherone, Heather (March 7, 2024). "Opening of Obama Presidential Center Delayed, Again, Until Spring 2026". WTTW. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
  13. ^ Tarmy, James (March 19, 2018). "Thelma Golden Knows That Showing Great Art Means Nurturing New Artists". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on June 24, 2018. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  14. ^ Jackson, David (January 31, 2014). "Obama library foundation is formed". USA Today. Archived from the original on September 29, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  15. ^ "About the Foundation". Barack Obama Foundation. Archived from the original on May 16, 2015. Retrieved May 14, 2015.
  16. ^ Gima, Craig (March 3, 2016). "Obama: 'Hawaii is home,' but he probably won't live here". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
  17. ^ "Obamas likely to stay in DC for a few years". Reuters interview (rough cut with no reporter narration). March 3, 2016. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
  18. ^ "Supporters Establish the Obama Foundation to Oversee Planning for Future Presidential Library". Archived from the original on May 12, 2016. Retrieved May 31, 2016., Barack Obama Foundation (January 31, 2014).
  19. ^ Skiba, Katherine; Pashman, Manya Brachear (May 31, 2017). "Louise Bernard named museum director for future Obama Presidential Center". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on June 9, 2017. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  20. ^ "The Barack Obama Foundation Announces Hire of Michael Strautmanis as Vice President of Civic Engagement". Obama Foundation (Press release). November 23, 2015. Archived from the original on January 20, 2018. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
  21. ^ Dr. Kenvi Phillips Appointed Director of the Barack Obama Presidential Library National Archives. May 21, 2024.
  22. ^ Glanton, Dahleen (March 20, 2014). "Obama library officials allow parties to make their bid". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on November 27, 2018. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  23. ^ a b c "Hawaii As 'Racial Paradise'? Bid For Obama Library Invokes A Complex Past". NPR. January 15, 2015. Archived from the original on November 23, 2018. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  24. ^ Bosman, Julie; Smith, Mitch (May 12, 2015). "Chicago Wins Bid to Host Obama Library". New York Times. Archived from the original on April 25, 2017. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  25. ^ "Statement regarding Barack Obama". University of Chicago Law School. March 27, 2008. Archived from the original on June 8, 2008. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
  26. ^ Miller, Joe (March 28, 2008). "Was Barack Obama really a constitutional law professor?". Fact Check. Archived from the original on June 17, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
  27. ^ Holan, Angie Drobnic (March 7, 2008). "Obama's 20 years of experience". PolitiFact. Archived from the original on May 15, 2008. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
  28. ^ Bergen, Kathy; Kamin, Blair; Skiba, Katherine (July 27, 2016). "Obama chooses historic Jackson Park as library site". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on June 26, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  29. ^ Kamin, Blair; Buckley, Madeline (October 20, 2018). "Ahead of court hearing, Obama Foundation reveals closely guarded design plans". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  30. ^ Sweet, Lynn (October 19, 2018). "Obama Foundation under pressure from lawsuit, releases secret U. of C. bid". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on May 14, 2019. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  31. ^ "Michelle Obama to pick Obama library location: report". WGN-TV News. February 5, 2015. Archived from the original on January 12, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
  32. ^ "Obama Foundation Issues RFP to Four Potential Hosts of Future Presidential Library". Barack Obama Foundation. September 15, 2014. Archived from the original on September 29, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
  33. ^ a b c Bosman, Julie; Smith, Mitch (May 12, 2015). "Chicago Wins Bid to Host Obama Library". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
  34. ^ a b Vigdor, Neil (September 28, 2021). "Obama Breaks Ground on Presidential Center in Chicago After Lengthy Discord". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 29, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  35. ^ a b c Blair, Kamin (January 13, 2016). "Husbands of Streep and Kennedy advising on Obama Center architect". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on January 14, 2016. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  36. ^ Sweet, Lynn (December 21, 2015). "Seven firms make cut to design Obama Center in Chicago". Chicago Sun Times. Archived from the original on August 18, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
  37. ^ "Obamas choose New York architects to design Chicago library and museum". Chicago Tribune. June 30, 2016. Archived from the original on June 30, 2016. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  38. ^ "The Obama Foundation Announces Architect Selection for Future Presidential Center". The Obama Foundation. June 30, 2016. Archived from the original on July 4, 2016. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  39. ^ "Obama Foundation exhibition designers". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on February 26, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017. Chicago Tribune
  40. ^ Tan, Yao Xen (February 6, 2017). "Obama Foundation Chooses Landscape Architects for Presidential Library". www.chicagomaroon.com. Archived from the original on January 11, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  41. ^ "Obama Foundation Announces Lakeside Alliance as Construction Manager for Obama Presidential Center - Obama Foundation". Obama Foundation. January 5, 2018. Archived from the original on April 12, 2018. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  42. ^ Skiba, Katherine (June 29, 2016). "Obama Foundation makes it official: Presidential library will go up in Jackson Park". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  43. ^ a b Caputo, Angela; Skiba, Katherine; Kamin, Blair (May 4, 2017). "Obamas unveil design of presidential center in Chicago". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  44. ^ "OPC Mobility Improvements to Support the SLFP" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on April 11, 2018. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  45. ^ Bowean, Lolly (July 27, 2018). "Obama Foundation delays presidential center groundbreaking until next year". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on July 29, 2018. Retrieved July 29, 2018. the city is expected to make about $175 million in improvements
  46. ^ Roche, Daniel (March 7, 2024). "Program & Athletics Center at the Obama Presidential Center is breaking ground". The Architects Newspaper. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  47. ^ Eberhardt, Ellen (March 22, 2024). "Moody Nolan unveils design of athletic facility at Obama presidential campus". dezeen.com. JP/Politiken Media Group. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  48. ^ "Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) for the Obama Library". Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) for the Obama Library. Archived from the original on April 11, 2018. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  49. ^ Kamin, Blair (March 3, 2018). "The Dilemma of Development: Will Obama Center hurt those it's supposed to help?". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  50. ^ Chen, Elaine (March 29, 2018). "CBA Coalition Protests Rent Increase, Hairston Warns It Not To "Deceive the Public"". The Chicago Maroon. Archived from the original on June 19, 2018. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  51. ^ Isaacs, Deanna (February 28, 2018). "Obama: No Community Benefits Agreement". Chicago Reader. Archived from the original on June 15, 2018. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  52. ^ "Obama Foundation Issues Request for Diversity Consultant for the Obama Presidential Center" (Press release). Obama Foundation. September 29, 2017. Archived from the original on April 13, 2018. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  53. ^ "OPC Economic Impact" (PDF). Obama Foundation. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 14, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
  54. ^ a b Bowean, Lolly; Byrne, John (July 23, 2019). "Chicago aldermen to introduce plan aimed at protecting affordable housing around planned Obama Presidential Center site". chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on July 24, 2019. Retrieved July 24, 2019.
  55. ^ a b Evans, Maxwell (January 29, 2020). "City's Scaled-Back Obama Center Housing Plan Doesn't Do Enough To Protect Woodlawn, Alderman Says". Block Club Chicago. Archived from the original on January 31, 2020. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  56. ^ Nitkin, Alex (July 21, 2020). "Lightfoot, Taylor To Roll Out Compromise Ordinance On Housing Protections Near Obama Center". Block Club Chicago. Archived from the original on July 21, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  57. ^ Nitkin, Alex (July 22, 2020). "How Lightfoot And Housing Activists Reached An Uneasy Truce In The Battle For Woodlawn's Future". Block Club Chicago. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  58. ^ Evans, Maxwell (July 22, 2020). "Organizers Celebrate Woodlawn Housing Protections, But Fight Continues To Keep Affordable Housing Near Obama Center". Block Club Chicago. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  59. ^ Briscoe, Tony (May 15, 2018). "Federal lawsuit accuses Obama center organizers of pulling an 'institutional bait and switch'". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on May 15, 2018. Retrieved June 7, 2018. Protect Our Parks Inc. also claims in its lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court on Monday, that the Chicago Park District and the City of Chicago don't have the authority to transfer public parkland to nongovernmental entity such as the Obama Foundation.
  60. ^ Byrne, John (May 15, 2018). "Emanuel says group that sued Obama center organizers doesn't 'understand the 21st century'". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on May 16, 2018. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
  61. ^ Bradley, Tahman (May 17, 2018). "Obama Presidential Center approved by Chicago plan commission". WGN News. Chicago. Associated Press. Archived from the original on May 17, 2018. Retrieved May 17, 2018.
  62. ^ Sweet, Lynn (August 6, 2018). "Jackson Park trees cut down near Obama Center site despite lawsuit, promises". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018. The city and Chicago Park District are cutting down trees in Jackson Park – in a project related to the Obama Presidential Center – despite a pending lawsuit, city and federal approvals still needed and a pledge from the Obama Foundation CEO to keep trees intact until the permitting process is complete.
  63. ^ Bowean, Lolly (August 7, 2018). "Work begins to relocate track in Jackson Park to make way for Obama center". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on September 1, 2018. Retrieved September 2, 2018.
  64. ^ Blasuis, Elizabeth (September 18, 2018). "Chicago Park District pauses Obama Presidential Center construction". The Architect's Newspaper. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  65. ^ Bowean, Lolly (September 18, 2018). "New legislation outlines terms of Obama center's use of Jackson Park". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  66. ^ "City of Chicago : Mayor Emanuel, City Departments Introduce Two Ordinances To City Council". www.cityofchicago.org. Archived from the original on September 23, 2018. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
  67. ^ Sweet, Lynn. "City Hall deal for Obama Center in Jackson Park: 99 years for $10". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  68. ^ a b c d "Obama Presidential Center Enters Next Phase". Lawndale News. September 27, 2018. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  69. ^ Hinton, Rachel (October 11, 2018). "City Council Committee approves $10, 99-year deal for Obama Center". Archived from the original on October 13, 2018. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
  70. ^ a b Hinton, Rachel (October 11, 2018). "City Council unanimously approves Obama Presidential Center — for the third time". Archived from the original on April 2, 2019. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  71. ^ a b Bowean, Lolly (October 31, 2018). "City Council unanimously approves use agreement for Obama Presidential Center". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on November 2, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  72. ^ a b Cameron, Bill (October 31, 2018). "48 - 0: City Council votes in favor Obama Presidential center". WLS AM News. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  73. ^ a b c d "Trial Date In Case Over Obama Center To Be Set In December". CBS Chicago. October 24, 2018. Archived from the original on October 25, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  74. ^ a b c Coen, Jeff. "Judge says he won't let suit against Obama Presidential Center drag on". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on October 24, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  75. ^ Tarm, Michael. "Chicago defends location of Obama library in federal court". Yahoo.com. Archived from the original on November 26, 2018. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  76. ^ "City Defends Location of Obama Library in Federal Court". NBC Chicago. Archived from the original on November 26, 2018. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  77. ^ Tarm, Michael (November 23, 2018). "Chicago defends location of Obama library in federal court". New Jersey Herald. Archived from the original on November 26, 2018. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  78. ^ a b Koziarz, Jay (February 19, 2019). "Judge upholds lawsuit against Obama Center". Curbed Chicago. Archived from the original on February 20, 2019. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  79. ^ "Judge OKs Suit Aimed at Halting Obama Library in Chicago". Archived from the original on February 20, 2019. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  80. ^ Lolly Bowean (June 11, 2019). "Federal judge dismisses lawsuit seeking to block Obama center construction in Chicago's Jackson Park". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on June 11, 2019. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  81. ^ Bertagnoli, Lisa (June 11, 2019). "Judge tosses Obama Center legal challenge". Crain's Chicago Business. Archived from the original on June 11, 2019. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  82. ^ "Judge Rules for City in Lawsuit Over Obama Center". NBC Chicago. June 11, 2019. Archived from the original on June 12, 2019. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  83. ^ "Supreme Court won't halt Obama center in Chicago - Chicago Tribune". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  84. ^ "Supreme Court Allows Barack Obama Library to Be Built, Despite Controversy". Newsweek. October 6, 2021. Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  85. ^ Van Voorhis, Drew (January 29, 2018). "UChicago faculty denounce plans for Obama Presidential Center: 'object-lesson in the mistakes of the past'". The College Fix. Archived from the original on January 30, 2018. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
  86. ^ "News". Chicago Maroon. February 9, 2018. Archived from the original on June 19, 2018. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  87. ^ Editorial Board (January 23, 2018). "Don't Relocate, Advocate". The Chicago Maroon. Archived from the original on June 19, 2018. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  88. ^ Sweet, Lynn (November 26, 2017). "Feds launch review of Obama Presidential Center impact on Jackson Park". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on September 29, 2021. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  89. ^ Freund, Sara (January 9, 2018). "Obama Center scraps above-ground parking garage after neighborhood opposition". Curbed Chicago. Archived from the original on September 29, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  90. ^ Johnson, Sara (May 3, 2017). "Obama Presidential Center Concept Design Unveiled in Chicago". Architect Magazine. Archived from the original on December 23, 2018. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  91. ^ a b "Obama's Library Architects Say Project May Need $1.5 Billion: Report". WMAQ-TV News. February 20, 2017. Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  92. ^ Bowean, Lolly (July 27, 2018). "Obama Foundation delays presidential center groundbreaking until next year". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on August 31, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  93. ^ Sweet, Lynn (September 25, 2018). "Fundraising bonanza fuels Obama Foundation, top staffer earns whopping $862K". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on September 27, 2018. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  94. ^ "$5M grant to pay for Chicago library branch at Obama center". WGN TV News. June 3, 2019. Archived from the original on June 7, 2019. Retrieved June 4, 2019.
  95. ^ "Welcome to the Obama Presidential Center's Groundbreaking!". Obama Foundation. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  96. ^ Guardian staff and, agencies (November 11, 2022). "Obama presidential library construction halted after noose found on site". The Guardian. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  97. ^ "Construction resumes at Obama Presidential Center, days after noose found on site". Chicago Sun-Times. November 16, 2022. Archived from the original on November 16, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  98. ^ "Barack Obama Presidential Library". National Archives. January 31, 2017. Archived from the original on June 12, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  99. ^ "About Us". Barack Obama Presidential Library. October 20, 2016. Archived from the original on June 24, 2018. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  100. ^ "Obama Presidential Center project clears federal review". The Real Deal: Chicago Real Estate News. February 4, 2021. Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  101. ^ Gettinger, Aaron (February 5, 2021). "Obama Center passes federal reviews; groundbreaking may happen in August". Hyde Park Herald. Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Barack_Obama_Presidential_Center&oldid=1239919031"