Help build the Obama Presidential Center.
The Obama Presidential Center will be a catalyst for long-overdue investment in and around Chicago’s historic Jackson Park—bringing over 750,000 people to the South Side every year, creating a new destination to move visitors from hope to action, driving other development in the area, and creating job opportunities for Chicagoans, especially for residents on the South and West Sides.
Through it all, our team is committed to creating a diverse, local construction workforce for this project—and we want you to be a part of it.
Whether you’re looking for your first job, returning to the workforce, or anywhere in between, we are here to provide you with the training and support you need to secure a well-paying construction job with the Obama Presidential Center or other exciting projects in Chicago.
The Lakeside Alliance
Our builder, the Lakeside Alliance, brings together four of the largest, most respected Black-owned construction firms in Chicago, with one of the largest construction management firms in the country. Currently, the Alliance is managing subcontractors for the Obama Presidential Center project. Learn more about the Lakeside Alliance Opens in a new tab .
We Can Build It Consortium
This initiative was created to get more local residents involved in the building trades. We Can Build It is committed to building a pipeline of diverse talent that is not only equipped to build the Obama Presidential Center, but is also prepared to participate in future projects across the city. We have committed $850,000 to train 400 new apprentices from the South and West Sides.
From outreach to test preparation and job placement, the consortium is ready to help any Chicagoan—no matter their background or experience—establish a successful career in construction. Learn more about We Can Build It Opens in a new tab .
Small Business Feature
The Obama Presidential Center will bring more customers to the neighborhood to support local businesses like Leah Holmes’ Synergy Foods Boxville Market in Bronzeville.