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Obama Presidential Center makes progress in building talent pipeline from South and West Side, report shows
Emma Kluever Emma Kluever

Obama Presidential Center makes progress in building talent pipeline from South and West Side, report shows

Mamon Powers Jr. always envisioned being in business because that’s how he grew up, surrounded by business owners in his home and community. By the time he was 15, he was running his own carpentry crew on construction sites.

He says he’s always had this “can-do-anything” attitude and it’s something that he’s trying to do with his company, Gary-based Powers & Sons Construction. As part of the Lakeside Alliance, the collective that is managing the construction of the Obama Presidential Center, he wants people of color to realize their potential.

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Lakeside Alliance Announces Bid Package Release for Obama Center
Alli Elster Alli Elster

Lakeside Alliance Announces Bid Package Release for Obama Center

Lakeside Alliance, builders of the Obama Presidential Center, announced the release of bid packages for work on the Obama Presidential Center project. The scopes of work include roofing, resilient flooring & carpet, wood, and resinous flooring, and asphalt paving. The dates for when work will begin on-site for these packages range from the third quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2025. There will be one last bid package release for the project in Spring 2022.

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OSHA, Stakeholders Partner to Train, Protect Workers on Obama Presidential Center from Construction Hazards
Alli Elster Alli Elster

OSHA, Stakeholders Partner to Train, Protect Workers on Obama Presidential Center from Construction Hazards

CHICAGO -- The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Illinois On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program, Lakeside Alliance and key participants have signed a strategic partnership to prevent serious hazards and enhance workplace safety and health practices for workers constructing the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South side.

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U.S. Department of Labor and Stakeholders Sign a Partnership Agreement to Train and Protect Workers on Obama Presidential Center from Construction Hazards
Alli Elster Alli Elster

U.S. Department of Labor and Stakeholders Sign a Partnership Agreement to Train and Protect Workers on Obama Presidential Center from Construction Hazards

The U.S. DOL’s OSHA, Illinois On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program, Lakeside Alliance and key participants have signed a strategic partnership to prevent serious hazards and enhance workplace safety and health practices for workers constructing the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park in Chicago.

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$500 million Obama Center construction commences
Alli Elster Alli Elster

$500 million Obama Center construction commences

Construction commenced on Aug. 16 on the approximately $500 million Obama Presidential Center in Chicago’s Jackson Park. The initial work includes roadway improvements and construction, the Obama Foundation said in a statement.

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The Obama Presidential Center continues to follow thru with diversifying its construction workforce and 'create a diverse pipeline of talent'
Alli Elster Alli Elster

The Obama Presidential Center continues to follow thru with diversifying its construction workforce and 'create a diverse pipeline of talent'

With pre-construction underway, the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) announced more details of its construction costs and economic impact for Chicago. In February, the Obama Foundation shared that in addition to breaking ground in 2021, they expressed their commitment to providing subcontracting opportunities to a more diverse workforce.

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