The rigorous search is over. A site for Obama's presidential library has been selected, sources confirm.
The White House has chosen Jackson Park on the South Side of Chicago as the location where Obama's presidential library would be built. The New York Times reports the months-long deliberation of Obama and Obama Foundation whether the library would better stand in Jackson Park or in Washington Park where the president's Chicago home is closer to.
Authorities have not yet officially confirmed the site location but a reliable source who requested to be anonymous announced that it will be Jackson Park. As per Chicago Tribune, Jackson Park may have gotten an edge over Washington Park because of its stunning attributes.
Jackson Park is a 543-acre South Side oasis with a forested island in a scenic lagoon and a golf course. Its western side along Stony Island Avenue is connected to Woodlawn, an African-American neighborhood and on the eastern side is the University of Chicago.
Just this month, as per The New York Times, Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects | Partners (TWBTA) has been chosen to be the head architects of the presidential library project. According to Obama Foundation, they would be partnering with Interactive Design Architects (IDEA), a known firm that has previously designed museums and centers. TWBTA was chosen because of its commitment to look for the best creative ways in building an innovative center that would inspire communities to challenge themselves.
Obama's presidential library would store the presidential archives, have a museum showcasing Obama's eight-year administration and would be the headquarters of the Obama Foundation. It is said to start construction after Obama leaves office on January next year and aims to be finished on 2021 (via Chicago Tribune).
Do you agree with Obama's choice that Jackson Park be the site of his presidential library instead of Washington Park? What do you think is the importance of a location to a presidential library? Sound off your thoughts in the Comments section and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
