Obama Foundation Hosts Public Meeting for Presidential Center Plans


The Obama Foundation is holding a community meeting Thursday to gather local input on plans to build the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park.

Taking place at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place on the Near South Side, residents will have a chance to address key figures behind the presidential library, including its architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien; Michael Strautmantis, the Obama Foundation’s vice president of civic engagement; Louise Bernard, museum director; and Michael Van Valkenburgh, the museum’s lead landscape director.

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

The meeting is the most public outreach effort the foundation has organized following several closed-door meetings and a design unveiling in May. Bus transportation is being made available from Hyde Park Academy High School to the hotel.

Some residents are expected to gather in opposition to the plan for various reasons, including the lack of a formal agreement to guarantee jobs to community members.

  • (Courtesy of the Obama Foundation)

    (Courtesy of the Obama Foundation)

  • (Courtesy of the Obama Foundation)

    (Courtesy of the Obama Foundation)

  • (Courtesy of the Obama Foundation)

    (Courtesy of the Obama Foundation)

  • (Courtesy of the Obama Foundation)

    (Courtesy of the Obama Foundation)

  • (Courtesy of the Obama Foundation)

    (Courtesy of the Obama Foundation)

Follow Paris Schutz on Twitter: @paschutz


Related stories:

Obama Library Construction Bids Must Include Minority, Local Enterprises

Aug. 31: Construction management teams bidding for a leading role in the Obama Presidential Center must commit to specific diversity and inclusion goals, the Obama Foundation announced Thursday.


City, Obama Foundation Reveal More Presidential Center Details

Aug. 23: The city will have to come up with tens of millions of dollars to realign the roads in Jackson Park to accommodate the wishes of the Obama Foundation, but they say it’s too soon to talk about exact costs.


Center of Attention: Obama Foundation on Presidential Center Progress

July 24: An update from the Obama Foundation’s Michael Strautmanis on plans for the South Side Presidential Center.


Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Neighborhood: