Obama Presidential Library,Chicago, IL

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Obama Presidential Library,Chicago, IL

Frank S.
Specialist · Chicago, IL · Member since 2015 · 870 posts · 345 votes

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, 

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  • Mark HamblinPro Member
    San Francisco, CA · Member since 2015 · 14 posts · 2 votes
    10y

    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

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  • Karen Morison
    Flipper/Rehabber · Fairfax County, VA · Member since 2016 · 15 posts · 6 votes
    10y

    I'd be really surprised if a Presidential library would be a big engine for most neighborhoods.  Maybe they'll spend some money on the lighting and sidewalks and the road nearby, but don't give it too much weight.  We owned an apartment building building across the street from a multimillion museum in a medium sized city.  I don't think it had any real impact on the neighborhood or more importantly, on our apartment building. 

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  • Frank S.
    OP
    Specialist · Chicago, IL · Member since 2015 · 870 posts · 345 votes
    10y

    In my case, Lagunitas Brewing Company has a more direct impact on my investment. 

    I'm still very curious about the Library,  but don't have the resources now, I'm locked in a rehab and my time is very limited.  

    Time will tell.  It may be worth researching the impart other libraries had in the immediate areas.

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