Former U.S. President Barack Obama commemorated a significant milestone on Monday at the site of the Chicago campus that bears his name.
Nearly three years after construction began on the Obama Presidential Center, the 44th President was on site to commemorate a major construction milestone and thank the workers who helped build it.
“I just want to say thank you, guys,” Obama told workers at a South Side construction site.
The Center's tallest structure, the Museum Building, has now reached its maximum height of 225 feet, a milestone known in the construction industry as “topping out.”
President Obama joined workers in signing a beam that will be installed at the top of the museum building and will become part of the ceiling in the Sky Room, which offers spectacular views of the city and Lake Michigan.
“I couldn't be more grateful for the dedication you've shown, the professionalism you've shown, the hard work you've shown, your willingness to come here in the freezing cold, the sacrifices you've made,” President Obama said.
Kayla Davis, an intern studying electrical engineering, spoke to WGN News about the big day.
“Just the fact that this was my first internship was exciting, I never imagined we’d actually meet in person. [Obama]” Davis said.
In addition to the museum building, the 19-acre campus in Jackson Park will be home to athletic programs, event facilities, an auditorium, a branch of the Chicago Public Library and a vegetable garden.
“Not literally, but hats off to you for making this happen,” Obama joked.
The center is scheduled to open in 2026.
