Obama Presidential Library,Chicago, IL

[Frank S.]

Obama Presidential Library

The Barack Obama Foundation is considering two sites on the South Side of Chicago for the Barack Obama Presidential Center in the Washington Park and Woodlawn neighborhoods. Locating the presidential center in either Washington Park or Woodlawn would drive major investment on the South Side, creating new businesses and resources for residents and visitors. The presidential center offers a rare chance to reinvigorate the economy of nearby communities and make improvements for the area’s infrastructure and parks.

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I lived in Chicago since 1999 and have seen this city change drastically.  My first apartment in Wicker Park is probably a gold mine nowadays. I recall the owner saying he had to get rid of homeless people and rats from those buildings.  Unfortunately, this change is difficult to predict.

Currently, the two areas proposed for the OPL are located in rough areas.  I think it's great they selected those areas, for it will improve local business and the neighborhoods.  At least, that's the assumption.  It may be worth to research other Presidential Libraries and see what's the effect in the areas.

Washington Park connects to Jackson Park through a  nice boulevard.  If my crystal ball wasn't so foggy, I could purchase a multifamily or even mixed use building near the library. Unfortunately, I can't see the future.

http://www.chicagohalfmarathon.com/wp-content/uplo...

So, what do you think Chicago? I'm considering signing up as a volunteer to see what's going on with this effort.

Thanks, 

[Mark Hamblin]

Hi Frank, I just came across your post as I was researching the Woodlawn area.  I'm considering putting in an offer on a building there.  Apparently they just announced (about a month ago) that the final selection for the OPL is Jackson park, next to the Woodlawn neighborhood.  I'm hoping (without any real data or precedence to back it up) that it will do good things for Woodlawn, hence my eagerness to pull the trigger on the building I'm looking at.  

Are you currently invested in anything in Woodlawn or other areas of the South Side?  If so, I'd be interested to hear your take on the decision and any impacts on Woodlawn.

Thanks,

Mark