Updated details have been revealed for the new Obama Presidential Center Programs & Athletics Center near 6001 S Stony Island Avenue within Jackson Park. Located on the southern edge of the center’s site, the expanded building will sit just north of the intersection with E Hayes Road. Efforts for the new facility are being led by the Obama Foundation and the center itself.
Potential location (unconfirmed) of new Obama Presidential Center Programs & Athletics Center via Google Maps
The facility is one of the last pieces of the greater Obama Center which has been in the works for nearly a decade now. Having gone through multiple iterations, it has grown to 45,000 square-feet from its originally proposed 28,000 square-feet. Its new design is being led by local firm Moody Nolan who also worked on the Wintrust Arena in the South Loop.
Obama Presidential Center. Rendering by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects
Rising roughly three-stories in height, the structure will go up adjacent to the athletic field which was relocated for the center. The design will utilize sharp edges, angled roofs, and large storefront windows, being mostly clad in silver metal panels. This is in contrast to the rest of the center which will blend with the surrounding park utilizing low-slung structures around the multi-story stone clad central tower.
Rendering of new Obama Presidential Center Programs & Athletics Center by Moody Nolan
Inside of the building will contain a large gym with a regulation size basketball court which can also be used to host events. This will be joined by additional gym facilities, and large meeting rooms for both the community and events surrounding the center. This will give residents access to recreational and wellness oriented programming which will strive to be unique and not replicate those that can already be found nearby.
Obama Presidential Center. Rendering by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects
While not many more details were given, we can see from the rendering that it will offer multiple outdoor decks, a large elevated front entry with gardens, and feature solar panels on its roof. The large building will be the last to break ground as it aims to do so next week, with the overall complex shooting for a soft opening by the end of 2025 and formal grand opening when the weather warms in 2026.
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Hopefully this private endeavor has put money away for maint. of the area. Tax payers should not be on the hook for maintaining the area.
mark it down-the residents of Chicago will end up footing the bill to run and maintain this. Obama Foundation wont be obligated for anything.