Obama Foundation Reveal Plans for their Library at a South Shore Forum

Today former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama was in South Shore to reveal the initial conceptual plans for their Presidential Library and Museum. It is estimated that it will cost about $500 million and is projected to take four years to build. The Obama Foundation released this statement.

Michelle and I are thrilled that the Obama Presidential Center will be developed in the heart of Chicago’s South Side, a community we call home and that means the world to us. With a center in Jackson Park, not only will we be able to affect local change, but we can attract the world to this historic neighborhood, whose rich cultural heritage dates back to the 1893 World’s Fair. We are proud that the center will help spur development in an urban area and we can’t wait to forge new ways to give back to the people of Chicago who have given us so much.

There was an architectural model on display at the South Shore Cultural Center that showed a site schematic of the library building which is described as the iconic building. However, there will be other buildings assembled on the site. There is a forum building that will be integrated into the existing landscape with a restaurant and green roof. There are plans to also have a production studio for artists and a field house. There are also kids play areas envisioned for the site. The former president indicated that this is the beginning and the foundation will be seeking further community input.