I’m thrilled to announce the official topping out of the Obama Presidential Center!
We have made significant progress on the development since its groundbreaking in 2021. Spanning 19 acres in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side, this world-class Museum and public gathering space is an extraordinary project that celebrates the legacy of our nation’s first African-American president and First Lady.
It was great to commemorate this milestone yesterday in Hyde Park. Former President Obama addressed the team building the center with an awesome speech about the impact the trades have on our communities: “Everyday all across the country, and here in Chicago, working people are putting on their boots and their hard hats and doing work…and a lot of times that's taken for granted…That’s what builds this country… and I want everyone to know that I see you.”
Attendees even had the opportunity to sign the beam alongside Obama, which will be placed inside the Museum building’s Sky Room – the highest point on the campus! I caught up with some of our Clayco team members working on this initiative at the event, including Maureen Ramirez, Adrian Rivera, and EVP/Shareholder Otto Nichols. While I wore my recently upgraded Clayco hard hat, it was great to see former CRG team member who is now a part of the Obama Presidential Center Team, Corinth Jackson, wearing her Obama.org one!
The Museum building will be a striking new landmark, symbolizing a movement upward from the grassroots. Designed by renowned architects Todd Williams and Billie Tsien, our Clayco/Ardmore Roderick team is working alongside builder Lakeside Alliance/Turner on the Center. This opportunity embodies the Art & Science of Building, aiming to inspire visitors with its innovative and thoughtful design.
Inspired by four hands coming together, it signifies the collective effort in shaping a community. Beyond the Museum, the Center will include a new branch of the Chicago Public Library, equipped with interactive digital media spaces, a reading room, and vocational resources. This unique library partnership will ensure nearly every South Side resident has access to public library services within walking distance. The surrounding park will offer a variety of recreational amenities, including play areas, walking paths, a sledding hill, and a long pedestrian promenade connecting the Center to Jackson Park’s scenic lagoons.
Artist John Legend visited the construction site to preview the campus, and Clayco and I are grateful that he enjoyed the view as the vision continues to come together. John recognizes that this space will greatly serve the South Side community by fostering a legacy of creativity and connection.
The impact of the Obama Presidential Center on the South Side of Chicago will be profound, fostering a sense of purpose and inspiring future generations to contribute to positive, lasting change.
For more details on this transformative project, visit the Obama Presidential Center website.
