The $850-million Obama Presidential Center is set to open on June 19 in Chicago's Jackson Park. The project aims to draw attention to the city's South Side neighborhoods.
Architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien described the lakeside setting as impressive during early visits. They noted the potential to highlight an underappreciated area of the city.
“The South Side is the future of Chicago,” Mr. Williams said. The center borders Hyde Park, Woodlawn and South Shore.
Hyde Park includes the University of Chicago and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. The campus is positioned seven miles south of downtown attractions.