Obama Foundation Opts For Underground Parking Garage

CHICAGO, IL - The Obama Foundation has changed its mind about a plan to build an above-ground parking garage and instead will build one below the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. The change in plans was made official this week in response to pressure from the community, according to a report from the Chicago Tribune.

Placing the parking garage underground means that every part of the Obama center will be within Jackson Park, and that the Midway will not be interfered with in any way. Officials have acknowledged the change was made as a response to opposition from the community, who they have long called a partner in the project.

The garage will be built beneath the southern part of the campus, which is expected to break ground this year and be ready for a 2020 opening. It will be placed between where the library and athletic center will stand.

The original plan was to build it above ground west of Stony Island Avenue.

More via the Chicago Tribune

President Barack Obama delivers his farewell address last year at McCormick Place. (photo via Patch archive)