Jackson Park & the Presidential Center: Past to Present (NWA)
After more than five years of controversy, construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago's historic Jackson Park is underway. The site and surrounding park, a nationally registered landmark designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, will be transformed and revitalized as former President Barack Obama's vision for a "campus for the community."
Led by local Chicago architects who have assisted with the development of the Obama Center and representatives of the Obama Foundation, this tour will focus on the history of the surrounding park and the future envisioned for the South Side Center.
Transportation for this tour will be done via bus and includes an estimated 90-minutes total of walking. Not wheelchair accessible.
Led by local Chicago architects who have assisted with the development of the Obama Center and representatives of the Obama Foundation, this tour will focus on the history of the surrounding park and the future envisioned for the South Side Center.
Transportation for this tour will be done via bus and includes an estimated 90-minutes total of walking. Not wheelchair accessible.
Learning Objectives
- Explore historic Jackson Park and see how the Obama Presidential Center positions itself alongside 160 years of design history.
- Discuss the challenges of placing the Obama Presidential Center within historic Jackson Park and how these obstacles have been overcome.
- Observe the revitalization of the park facilitated by the construction of the new center, including improvements to park infrastructure, green space, and facilities.
- Discuss the community engagement and community outreach programs that have become a critical component of the design, construction, and program of the new presidential center.