The Obama Presidential Center, currently under construction in Chicago’s Jackson Park, stands as a transformative civic project that honors the legacy of President Barack Obama while serving as a hub for community engagement and learning. Spanning approximately 19.3 acres, the Center will include a museum, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, a forum building, and an open plaza, surrounded by landscaped green space designed for public use.

Designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, the Center’s museum tower will rise 235 feet, making it a striking architectural addition to the South Side. The project prioritizes sustainability, equity, and local impact—using diverse local contractors and vendors and creating thousands of job opportunities for residents of the surrounding communities. The Obama Foundation has also launched workforce development initiatives to ensure long-term benefits beyond the Center’s completion.

Construction began in 2021 and continues to progress steadily with an expected completion in 2026. The Center not only represents a presidential legacy but also reflects a forward-looking vision for education, civic leadership, and inclusive urban development in Chicago.

For Illinois’ construction community, the Obama Presidential Center is more than a landmark — it’s a symbol of what happens when architecture, public purpose, and community collaboration unite on a world stage.