Obama Presidential Center

The Obama Presidential Center is an Obama Foundation cultural institution located in historic Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side. It features a museum, public library, and gathering space that reflect the city’s mission to inspire and empower.

DMA provided civil engineering services for the structure that sits on 19.3 acres. Project work included site demolition, stormwater management, grading, utilities, geothermal wells, and construction administration. Work also included coordination with the design team, Chicago Park District, and the city’s department of transportation. Sustainable stormwater strategies included an underground cistern to capture building runoff for irrigation reuse and on‑site drainage designed to infiltrate into groundwater. Portions of the site also drain directly to Lake Michigan.

DMA also provided structural engineering services for the new Athletic Center.