The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago’s Jackson Park, originally budgeted at $500 million, has seen costs balloon to over $830 million.
Construction began in 2021, but delays have pushed the opening to April 2026. The facility includes a museum tower, library branch, and community spaces, funded privately by donors like Jeff Bezos and Oprah Winfrey.
Construction began in 2021, but delays have pushed the opening to April 2026. The facility includes a museum tower, library branch, and community spaces, funded privately by donors like Jeff Bezos and Oprah Winfrey.
Local residents and leaders have raised concerns about gentrification caused by the development. Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor noted that rents are rising and families are being displaced, as reported by the Daily Mail. She emphasized the lack of a Community Benefits Agreement to ensure affordable housing and local hiring.
Property values have surged, with two-bedroom apartments jumping from $800 to $1,800 monthly in some areas.
A federal lawsuit filed in January 2025 alleged racial discrimination against a Black-owned subcontractor, contributing to project tensions.
Critics describe the structure as imposing and out of place in the historic park. Resident Ken Woodard called it a “monstrosity” that erases local culture, per the Daily Mail.
Construction workers attributed delays to extensive DEI sessions, which included discussions on oppression and equity. A foreman recounted mandatory 90-minute workshops that distracted from work. These policies have led to cost overruns exceeding initial estimates by hundreds of millions.
Former President Donald Trump criticized the project in May 2025, calling it a “disaster” during a meeting with Canadian official Mark Carney.
Trump blamed “woke” and DEI hiring practices for massive overruns and claimed work had halted. The Obama Foundation refuted these assertions, stating the center remains on track.
Hellbound and Down 