“With these aggressive goals, the foundation is hoping to set a new precedent for diversity and inclusion in major construction projects in Chicago and beyond,” the Obama Foundation stated in a 2017 press release.
The project has encountered major financial hurdles. Costs have more than doubled from initial estimates, and current figures remain unclear, as the Obama Foundation has not publicly released updated budget projections beyond 2021.
Delays and Community Backlash
When the plans were filed community advocates voiced concerns about the project’s impact on local housing costs, fearing gentrification could displace long-time residents.
Environmental activists have also criticized the development, arguing that it will destroy bird habitats and remove too many trees from Jackson Park.
Although lawsuits aimed at halting construction were filed early on, the Supreme Court declined to hear the case in 2021, allowing work to proceed.
Originally scheduled to break ground in 2018, construction was delayed until 2021.
