Barack Obama Presidential Center
Overview
The Barack Obama Presidential Center is a planned presidential library and museum for Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States. The center is to be located in Jackson Park, on the South Side of Chicago, near the University of Chicago campus. The project is being led by the Obama Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Obama and his wife, Michelle.
History
The idea for the Barack Obama Presidential Center was first announced by Obama himself on May 12, 2015. The center is expected to comprise three buildings: a museum, library, and forum. The museum will be the tallest structure, and it will include public meeting spaces, an auditorium, restaurant, and a public garden.
The selection of the architect for the project was a highly competitive process. The Obama Foundation announced in June 2016 that the husband-and-wife team of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects had been chosen for the project. The New York-based firm is known for its work on projects such as the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia and the Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago.
Design
The design for the Barack Obama Presidential Center has been described as sleek and modern. The museum, the tallest of the three buildings, will be a tower with a series of progressively set-back volumes, giving it a ziggurat-like profile. The library and forum will be single-story buildings with landscaped roofs that blend into the park.
The center is designed to be a new landmark and cultural institution for the South Side of Chicago. It is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and it is hoped that it will act as a catalyst for economic development in the area.
Controversies
The project has not been without controversy. The use of public parkland for the center has been a contentious issue, with some groups arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for the privatization of public space. There have also been concerns about the impact of the center on the local community, with fears of gentrification and displacement of residents.
Despite these controversies, the project has also received a great deal of support. Many people see it as a significant investment in an area that has often been overlooked, and there is hope that it will bring both economic and cultural benefits to the South Side of Chicago.
Future
The construction of the Barack Obama Presidential Center is expected to begin in 2021, with completion slated for 2025. Once completed, the center will offer a range of facilities and programs to visitors, including a museum dedicated to Obama's presidency and issues of contemporary significance, a public library branch, and spaces for study and programs.