3 ideas for an Obama Center redesign that enhances historic Jackson Park

We appreciate your assessment that caution is warranted as plans for the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park move forward. You call for thoughtful and well-designed responses shaped by public input and note that “Anything less could lead to a design that spoils this jewel of a park rather than enhances it.”

In that spirit, we offer three suggestions for modifications of the current design, which we note was established by mayoral fiat rather than developed through constructive public discussion and which would have severe adverse effects on the historic park, according the ongoing federal reviews.

First, preserve the iconic Frederick Law Olmsted design for circulation in the park. Keep open Cornell Drive and its connection with the Midway Plaisance, but narrow and calm them as true park drives. This would re-situate the OPC on the site that was originally offered to the Obama Foundation after public discussion and was approved in the 2015 ordinance.

Second, right-size the museum tower to make it compatible and harmonious with the Museum of Science and Industry and the overall cultural landscape.

Third, provide replacement public parkland in Woodlawn and South Shore equivalent to the 19-20 acres that will be controlled by the Obama Foundation for the next 99 years. Space under the control of a private entity is not the same as public parkland.

With these three modifications, the plans for the OPC could be a net positive both for Jackson Park and for the South Side communities that see the OPC as an economic catalyst. Let us all opt for both/ and rather than either/or.

Brenda Nelms & Margaret Schmid, co-presidents, Jackson Park Watch