Ald. Jackson Wants Obama Presidential Library at USX
Chicago Alderman Sandi Jackson (7th Ward) says she’s found the “perfect location” for the Barack Obama Presidential Museum and Library: the old USX site on the South Side.
“The old USX site in South Shore would be absolutely perfect for the Obama Presidential Museum and Library. It’s the President’s old stomping grounds. It’s where he began his career as a community organizer; it’s near his home; near the University of Chicago where he taught; and near his old State Senate district. Additionally, it’s a beautiful lakefront location, and it’s available,” said the Alderman.
“It would be similar to the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, which is on the waterfront in JFK’s hometown. In Chicago, this would join the Bean and Navy Pier as another tourist destination.”
Jackson, who unveiled the proposal today, noted that Presidential Libraries typically draw several hundred thousand visitors a year. She also noted that Presidential Libraries often spur significant new development in the surrounding neighborhoods.
“The Lincoln Library brings in millions of dollars in tourism every year to Springfield,” she said. “And in Little Rock, the new Clinton Presidential Museum attracted more than $1 billion in neighborhood redevelopment.”
As envisioned, Jackson said the Obama Library could be located in the old USX property along Lake Michigan near 79th Street. “The 500-acre lakefront site is large, pollution-free, and offers great views of the skyline. A Presidential Library typically needs about 20 and 30 acres, so there is plenty of room. The city has already begun building new access roads throughout the site, but the overall development plans are still taking shape,” she said.
Jackson suggested that the Obama Library could be built with several local partners, including the Chicago Park District, the Chicago museum campuses, Chicago Public Schools, and the nearby University of Chicago and Chicago State University.
“The Presidential Museum could be surrounded by parkland. Local schools could use it as a resource. It would enhance the city’s already spectacular museum community. And U of C and CSU could play roles in research and archiving,” the Alderman said.
Jackson has been working for years with city planners, USX (property owners), and a private development team headed by the McCaffery Interests to redevelop the old US Steel mill site.
Greetings,
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I have lived in the South Shore area for over 40 years. Needless to say, I am quite biased.
The USX site would be a perfect location for President Obama's Library. There has been much talk about the Rosenwald location in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago and Hawaii as possible sites.
I would be interested to know your thoughts about the USX Site's pros and cons. You may have an alternative site you would like to suggest.
When I visualize water taxis ferrying tourist and residents alike across Lake Michigan from Navy Pier to the southern shores of Chicago, I am encouraged by the proposed development on the USX site. I think of what this development could mean to gentrification and stabilization of the South Side of Chicago. I also think of the maximization of our lake front by including such an important and significant landmark on the northern most shore facing Navy Pier.
Enough!!! Where do you want to see the Obama Presidential Library?
Hawaii?? no way. USX? Yes. It belongs in Chicago. And what it would do for the south side revitalization, which is so needed. How much say does Obama have?
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ReplyDeleteOK, I have to admit I am biased. I've lived in Bronzeville for, well 62 years in March. I remember the Rosenwald, its history as one of the first really nice places to live for African Americans of modest means. I passed that building several times per week on my way to elementary school or to visit a friend.
ReplyDeleteI pass it very often now. It's a sad relic on the historical register standing very close to Hyde Park, close to the Loop and an almost single handed impediment to developing one of the historically most famous streets in the history of blacks in Chicago, 47th street. Lest we forget the gateway to Bronzeville marker is just south of McCormick Place. AND how many of us remember Rainbow Beach and its history?
I realize President Obama is president to every American, even though others wish it were not so, but he is the first African American president of these United States, a phenomenon most of us thought would not occur in our lifetimes.
If President Obama decides he even wants a Presidential Library, I hope he will choose a site in Chicago, his adopted home town, and please not at the U of C. It's crowded enough over there already.