The Obama Foundation announced on January 31 that Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, the leading landscape design firm based in Brooklyn will work on Chicago's Barack Obama Presidential Center and the Presidential Library. Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates was the firm behind the famous Maggie Daley Park.
In a press release published in Chicago Tribune, the design firm founder Ernie Wong stated, "We look forward to helping this talented team forge the future of this institution as part of Jackson Park, reflecting the rich history and traditions of the South Side and watching the OPC stand as a beacon for the people of this great country." The sense of responsibility with the experience their firm when they did Hyde Park and Kenwood communities will be used as the same approach with the Chicago's Barack Obama Presidential Center and the Presidential Library, expressed by Wong.
In 2015, Former President Barack Obama expressed, "Not only will we be able to encourage and effect change locally, but what we can also do is to attract the world to Chicago." The Chicago southern side is eventually the home of Michelle Obama who was thrilled when the plans were announced.
Two years ago, the Obama Foundation lead by its Chairman Martin Nesbitt formally announced in a press statement the University of Chicago Portal of the plans. The project's main course is the idea of inspiring young people in Chicago and far reaching to a global scale.
Nesbitt said, "The City of Chicago played a vital role making this project instrumental seeing the opportunity with both the President and First Lady the advantages of locating the future Obama Presidential Center in their city. The broad potential and vital energy of the South Side was brought to life by University of Chicago." He added that the project aims to bring "a dynamic, vibrant forum for civic participation, education, action, and progress."
Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates committed to building the Barack Obama Presidential Center and the Presidential Library will use all their potentials making it an iconic edifice in the City of Chicago.
