Obama Presidential Center
Coverage of Obama Presidential Center in the Nexus archive.
- Black-owned construction firm founder reflects on legacy of building part of Obama Center
A Black-owned construction firm founder reflected on the legacy of building part of the Home Court project at the Obama Presidential Center.
- Obama Presidential Center subcontractors file new legal claims saying they are still owed nearly $900K
Subcontractors at the Obama Presidential Center claim they are still owed nearly $900K for work on structural steel, excavation and concrete, and gymnasium flooring at Home Court, the Center's basketball and events facility.
- Obama Presidential Center subcontractors file fresh payment claims totaling nearly $900K
Three subcontractors working on the Obama Presidential Center's Home Court facility filed mechanics liens claiming nearly $900,000 in unpaid construction costs. The claims involve structural steel, excavation/concrete, and gymnasium flooring work, with disputes adding to broader challenges in the project's construction, including rising costs and legal issues.
- Obama Presidential Center subcontractors file fresh payment claims totaling nearly $900K
Three subcontractors working on the Obama Presidential Center's Home Court have filed mechanics liens totaling nearly $900,000 for unpaid work on structural steel, excavation, and flooring. These claims add to ongoing payment disputes and challenges, including rising project costs and legal issues over contracting practices.
- Subcontractor closes up shop, claims multi-million dollar loss tied to Obama Presidential Center
A Chicago area subcontractor closed his business, claiming he is owed millions in unpaid bills related to the Obama Presidential Center. The closure occurred weeks after the center's opening.
- Obama Presidential Center subcontractor shuts down, lays off 25 after claiming it’s owed $4M
A subcontractor for the Obama Presidential Center has shut down and laid off 25 employees, claiming it is owed $4 million. The company is one of several subcontractors to report financial trouble after working on the center.
- 59th Street Metra Rebuild In Hyde Park Will Bring Station, Lane Closures Next Year
Metra will begin a $74 million overhaul of the 59th Street station in Hyde Park in early 2027, involving station closures, street lane restrictions, and accessibility upgrades. The project includes reopening a historic entrance, repairing viaducts, and installing elevators to meet ADA requirements, with completion expected by 2030.
- Woodlawn Central Master Plan Passes City Council
City Council approved a $580 million Woodlawn Central master plan by the Apostolic Church of God, including housing, retail, and entertainment. The first phase, a 14-story building with 104 residences and a hotel, is expected to begin construction in 2027. The project aims to create up to 999 housing units across future phases, though opponents raised concerns about building size and past controversies involving Byron T. Brazier.
- Man completes journey to all 14 presidential museums at Obama Presidential Center in Chicago
Joshua Zimerman completed his journey to visit all 14 presidential museums, concluding his trip at the Obama Presidential Center located on Chicago's South Side.
- Man completes journey to all 14 presidential museums at Obama Presidential Center in Chicago
Joshua Zimerman has completed his journey to visit all 14 presidential museums, ending at the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side.
- Man completes journey to all 14 presidential museums at Obama Presidential Center in Chicago
Joshua Zimerman has completed his journey to visit all 14 presidential museums, concluding his trip at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The Obama Presidential Center is located on Chicago's South Side.
- Obama's influence shadows Democrats' race to 2028
Barack Obama remains a powerful and popular figure in the Democratic Party, influencing the 2028 presidential race through his leadership and endorsements. Many Democrats, including potential 2028 candidates, seek his favor, with high favorability ratings for Obama compared to other Democrats and even Taylor Swift. He works behind the scenes to shape party direction, advising on issues like AI policy and supporting emerging leaders.
- Obama Presidential Center visitors share 'bittersweet' reflections on America's 250th birthday
The Obama Presidential Center hosted 'The People's Fourth' celebration for America's 250th birthday, featuring activities like live music and food. Visitors expressed 'bittersweet' reflections on the nation's progress and challenges, aligning with the center's goal of fostering nuanced discussions about the country's future.
- Why does Chicago have so little love for the ‘Watchdog’ of the lakefront?
The Obama Presidential Center opened in Jackson Park, sparking debate over the use of public parkland for a former president's museum. Critics argue private alternatives existed, similar to historical disputes led by Aaron Montgomery Ward, who fought to preserve Grant Park as public space.
- Trump to visit newly built Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota's Badlands
President Donald Trump will visit the newly built Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota's Badlands, which opens on July 4. The $450 million project was championed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and Trump will be the library’s first official visitor. The visit is part of Independence Day celebrations organized by Trump’s nonpartisan group Freedom250.
- Jackson Park was my playground; Obama's tower disrupts my urban wilderness
A longtime Democrat criticizes the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, Chicago, describing it as an imposing, overpriced structure that disrupts the park's natural beauty. The article contrasts the author's childhood memories of the park with the modern development, comparing the tower to a 'defensive bunker' and noting its 225-foot granite design.
- After Obama Center Opening, South Siders Discuss Next Steps To Prevent Displacement
Residents near the Obama Presidential Center gathered to discuss strategies to prevent displacement and strengthen housing protections amid concerns about development impacts. Community organizers emphasized ongoing efforts to expand local housing policies and address issues like rent increases and deteriorating conditions.
- WATCH: Biden appears confused about where to exit stage after Democratic gala remarks
Joe Biden appeared confused about where to exit the stage after delivering remarks at a Democratic gala, exiting in a different direction than other speakers. He criticized Donald Trump during his speech and later disclosed undergoing treatment for Stage 4 prostate cancer. Biden has made few public appearances since withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race.
- WATCH: Biden appears confused about where to exit stage after Democratic gala remarks
Joe Biden appeared confused about where to exit the stage after delivering remarks at a Democratic gala, pausing to seek directions before leaving in a different direction than other speakers. During his speech, he criticized Donald Trump's policies and called for unity among Democrats, later disclosing treatment for Stage 4 prostate cancer.
- With Obama Presidential Center open, South Side residents continue calls for housing protections
The Obama Presidential Center's opening coincided with Stevie Early's family discovering their South Shore apartment building was sold without notice, leading to a new landlord demanding a significantly higher rent. Residents continue to call for housing protections as the area develops.
- Obama Says He Occupies a ‘Suite’ in Trump’s Head
Barack Obama made a comment about occupying a 'suite' in Trump's head during an event in Chicago. The Obama Presidential Center was opened in Chicago last week.
- Museum Of Science And Industry Plans To Open Original South Entrance For 1st Time In A Century
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry will renovate its original south entrance for the first time in over a century, funded by a $10 million grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. The $22 million project includes a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a café with a park terrace, and aims to reconnect the museum to Jackson Park and the Obama Presidential Center.
- Obama Presidential Center's opening instills optimism in dark times
The Obama Presidential Center's opening in Jackson Park featured speeches by Barack and Michelle Obama, emphasizing hope and democratic values. The event contrasted with the current administration's Fourth of July plans and a previous Trump birthday celebration, which the author criticized as crass. The author expressed renewed optimism and intent to participate in future elections.
- Maher mocks Obama presidential library: ‘Who’s going to go to this?’
Comedian Bill Maher mocked the Obama Presidential Center during his HBO show, calling it 'something aliens built in Dubai' and highlighting its $850 million cost. The remarks were made on the Friday episode of HBO’s 'Real Time' with Rep. Ro Khanna and Politico journalist Jonathan Martin.
- Chicago resident living in shadows of Obama Presidential Center reveal chaos caused by years-long construction
A Chicago resident living near the Obama Presidential Center describes construction-related issues including flooding and vibrations, despite supporting President Obama. The project's impact included the removal of a community park and lack of assistance from management or the center.
- Keir Starmer resigns as British prime minister and more top headlines
Keir Starmer resigns as British prime minister. The US and Iran enter the second day of talks for a finalized deal. Critics argue Obama's $800M center is a political machine.
- Obama Center isn't a traditional presidential library. Critics say it's an activism center.
The Obama Presidential Center, costing over $1 billion, opened as a non-traditional presidential library with no public access to Obama's papers. Critics argue it functions as an activism hub for Obama's foundation, featuring a museum, leadership programs, and facilities like a Democracy in Action Lab, diverging from traditional presidential library models.
- 7 killed and dozens injured following series of weekend shootings in Chicago
At least seven people were killed and 38 injured in a series of weekend shootings in Chicago, prompting President Donald Trump to call for military intervention. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's office did not respond to requests for comment, and similar gun violence occurred in Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and Kansas City over the weekend.
- Fast Takes: Putin’s reckoning is now, a tombstone for Obamaism and more
The Obama Presidential Center faces harsh criticism, with comparisons to a garbage can or the Death Star. Ryan Zickgraf of UnHerd describes it as a 'mausoleum' and coins the term 'Obamausoleum' to highlight its perceived symbolism of Obama's legacy.
- 7 killed and dozens injured following series of weekend shootings in Chicago
Seven people were killed and at least 38 injured in a series of shootings in Chicago over the weekend. President Donald Trump called for military intervention, while Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office did not respond to requests for comment. A mass shooting on Juneteenth injured 12 people in a crowd.
- Obama urges resiliency and unity during speech at Obama Presidential Center opening
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama attended the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side with their daughters. The center is set to open to the public on Juneteenth the following day.
- Obama Presidential Center follows widely-mocked 'stolen land' acknowledgment with Native American dance show
The Obama Presidential Center's grand opening included a controversial 'land acknowledgment' recognizing Indigenous nations, followed by a Native American dance performance by the Black Hawk Performance Company. The event faced criticism online and from commentators for perceived hypocrisy, with critics arguing the acknowledgment was performative given the center's continued use of the land.
- Obama Presidential Center follows widely-mocked 'stolen land' acknowledgment with Native American dance show
The Obama Presidential Center's grand opening featured a controversial 'land acknowledgment' recognizing Native American tribes, followed by a traditional Native American dance performance by the Black Hawk Performance Company. The acknowledgment was criticized as performative and hypocritical by some social media users and commentators, who highlighted the center's use of land historically belonging to Indigenous nations.
- Obama Presidential Center offers ‘safe space’ for children with new playground in Jackson Park
The Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park opened a new nature-inspired playground, praised by parents for providing a safe space for children to play and socialize. Locals highlighted the transformation of the area from a previously unsafe park into a community asset, with families expressing hope it remains a secure environment for kids.
- Obama Center embeds 'Indigenous' land message on controversial site
The Obama Presidential Center includes a permanent display acknowledging Indigenous land stewardship and features a quote from Obama on broken treaties. Critics argue the center's location on public land transferred for $10 under a controversial agreement creates irony, as they claim the land was 'stolen' from Illinois citizens rather than Native Americans.
- Obama Center embeds 'Indigenous' land message on controversial site
The Obama Presidential Center includes a permanent display acknowledging Indigenous land stewardship, which critics argue contrasts with controversy over its location on public land transferred for $10. Illinois GOP Chair Bob Grogan claims the land was 'stolen' from Illinois citizens, not Native Americans, due to a disputed 99-year agreement.
- BROADCAST BIAS: Reporters treat Obama’s Chicago celebration like a star-studded tribute
The article criticizes broadcast networks for perceived left-leaning bias, highlighting the favorable coverage of the Obama Presidential Center's opening in Chicago and Robin Roberts' interview with Barack Obama, which avoided challenging questions. It contrasts this with the treatment of other political figures like JD Vance.
- How we photographed a Barack and Michelle Obama storyhour at the Obama Presidential Center's library branch
Barack and Michelle Obama participated in a storytime session at the Obama Presidential Center's library branch in Chicago, reading Maurice Sendak's 'Where the Wild Things Are' to students. Photojournalist Ashlee Rezin captured the moment during the event's interactive storytelling.
- Obama Center offers a new vision for presidential legacies
The Obama Presidential Center is now open in Chicago. Former President Obama emphasizes that the center should represent an ongoing American story rather than a shrine. The article includes a discussion about Obama's vision with Yale historian Beverly Gage.
- Visitors explore the Obama Presidential Center museum on opening day
The Obama Presidential Center museum opened in Jackson Park, drawing thousands of visitors who reflected on Obama's presidency and the significance of his 2008 election as the first Black president. A visitor named Delores Mcclendon highlighted the emotional impact of an exhibit replaying Obama's 2008 election victory, which she experienced with her family.