“Uprising of the Sun” art installation highlights progress at The Obama Presidential Center Museum Tower

Posted on November 11, 2024 by danieldschell

“Uprising of the Sun” by Ethiopian-American artist Julie Mehretu.

Back in September, construction crews at The Obama Presidential Center installed a glass art installation by artist Julie Mehretu, titled “Uprising of the Sun,” on the north façade of the Museum Tower. In the meantime, the granite panels that will surround the exterior of the tower continue to be applied, one at a time.

At the south end of the Presidential Center construction site, work is underway for Home Court, an athletic and community facility featuring President Obama’s favorite sport: basketball. Home Court is expected to be the first feature of the Presidential Center open to the public.

Lots of photos taken November 2, 2024:

Enjoying the photos? Metra and CTA rides (and Amtrak trains to Milwaukee), Zipcars, Divvy Bikes, camera lenses, domain fees, snacks & energy drinks, and comfortable walking shoes add up. You can help offset expenses by making a greatly-appreciated donation to Building Up Chicago.

A day in May from the Obama Presidential Center

Posted on May 3, 2024 by danieldschell

The Obama Presidential Center peeks out over the Museum of Science and Industry

The most noticeable change in construction progress at The Obama Presidential Center is the addition of granite panels on the exterior of the Museum Tower. It’s also gotten a little taller (more vertical photo opps) since I was here last, so the view from farther away is changing. A lot of what you’ll see in this gallery are new angles from distance, plus familiar vantage points from near and far.

Photos taken May 1, 2024:

Single-crane update at The Obama Presidential Center

Posted on February 27, 2024 by danieldschell

Construction continues on the Museum Tower at The Obama Presidential Center.

The Obama Presidential Center used to have three hard-working tower cranes. They were a glorious team. Alas, we’re down to just one now, but it’s doing yeoman’s work on the center’s Museum Tower.

Dear Mr. President (#44),
Time is running out. You don’t have much time to give me a call so we can arrange a tower-crane climb together, now that there’s only one left. I’ve got steel-toed boots. See if you can get your developers to lend us hardhats and vests.