Obama Foundation previews presidential center construction site in Chicago
CHICAGO — Barack Obama toured the site of his Obama Presidential Center near his home in Chicago’s Hyde Park on Wednesday, according to the former president’s foundation, which said he usually makes a stop to the site part of his visits to the city.
The development, a four-story, 235-foot tower and associated smaller buildings that will serve as Obama’s presidential museum, is finally taking shape after eight years of planning, community haggling and a few lawsuits. The center is scheduled to open at the end of 2025.
POLITICO exclusively toured the construction site with Michael Strautmanis, the executive vice president for External Affairs for the Obama Foundation, on Tuesday ahead of Obama’s visit.
“It’s going to show success, failures, opposition and triumph,” Strautmanis said, calling the center a “civic industry project” that dovetails with the mission of Obama’s annual Democracy Forum. “Ultimately, it will show how important our democratic system is and what citizens can do.” Strautmanis highlighted the diversity of contractors working on the project.
The main building
