Builder of
the Obama Presidential Center

Lakeside Alliance is a joint venture between Powers & Sons Construction Company, UJAMAA Construction Inc., Brown & Momen, Inc., Safeway Construction Company, and Turner Construction Company.

UPDATES FROM THE CONSTRUCTION SITE - Updated December 22, 2025

The Obama Presidential Center is looking better than ever. With each passing week, new details are taking shape, and the site is quickly becoming the vibrant campus it was envisioned to be.

From the Museum Building’s gleaming façade to the flourishing landscape surrounding it, progress can be seen in every corner of Jackson Park:

The upper level of the Playground now features its final layer of rubberized composite surfacing, with shades of blue and purple distinguishing the various play zones.
The first trees have been planted in the Entry Grove, which spans the west side of John Lewis Plaza. Gingko, Honey Locust and Amelanchier trees now fill the large circular planters, adding color, shade and a welcoming touch along Stony Island Avenue.
Inside, crews continue making progress on the Grand Stair, a key architectural feature. Metalworkers are installing the steel frame and hammered bronze panels.
Granite installations are also bringing texture and polish to key interior spaces.
New lighting on the lower level now highlights the exposed aggregate concrete walls, showcasing the embedded stones and the materials’ natural finish.

Additional construction updates are provided by the Obama Foundation and the Chicago Department of Transportation.

As we close out the final full year of construction on site, we are also taking a look at what makes Lakeside Alliance so special. To see some of those who have contributed to our work in 2025 reflect on what it means to be a part of this team, watch the video below:

2023 Community Impact Report

Issued April 2024 by Lakeside Alliance, builder of the Obama Presidential Center

View the Report

Core Values & Commitments

Lakeside Alliance will execute a new paradigm in the business where community and capability are merged. As we build the landmark Obama Presidential Center, we are guided by these five core values and commitments.

Through intentional workforce and professional development, we will ensure all team members gain new opportunities, experiences, and skills that offer them a stronger, brighter future.
Through our strategic partnership with the Obama Foundation, Lakeside Alliance will intentionally leverage the construction of the Obama Presidential Center to create jobs, drive economic opportunity in Chicago, and enrich the South Side community. Serving as an intentional, engaged, and trusted partner, we are fully invested in making a lasting impact on Chicago’s communities.
We will be intentional about being a good neighbor by leveraging our broad relationships to help bring resources to the community. We will collaborate with existing community-based organizations to further the Obama Foundation’s commitment to strengthen local economies.
We will be intentional about expanding successful career opportunities in the union trades for historically underrepresented populations and achieving significant diverse workforce participation by ensuring individuals have equal access to information, training, apprenticeships, job opportunities, and removing the barriers that prevent individuals from reaching their full potential.
We are committed to achieving significant diverse business participation by intentionally ensuring an inclusive and transparent procurement process, equal access to significant contract opportunities, removing historical barriers, and providing support and resources to ensure their success.

Intentional Transformation.
Lasting Impact.

Lakeside Alliance envisions sustainable change where community, capability and opportunity converge. With a focus on safety, quality, cost and schedule, we will deliver the vision of the Obama Presidential Center by transforming the construction paradigm in Chicago through intentional engagement with our team, the Obama Foundation, business enterprises, and our community.