The Obama Presidential Center
The $850 million Obama Presidential Center (OPC) opened on June 19, 2026, on Chicago’s South Side. Spanning 19.3 acres, the transformative campus combines museum exhibits chronicling former President Barack Obama’s political rise and presidency with contemporary art installations, public gathering spaces, athletic facilities, and a branch of the Chicago Public Library.
The OPC represents a new model for presidential institutions. Unlike the libraries of other modern presidents, the OPC will not be operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Instead, it will be privately managed by the Obama Foundation, providing greater flexibility in programming, storytelling, and long-term operations. This approach enables the OPC to serve not only as a repository of history, but also as a vibrant civic, cultural, and educational destination for future generations.
Since 2015, GEI has provided comprehensive geotechnical engineering and construction-phase services to support the successful delivery of this landmark project. Throughout planning, design, and construction, GEI worked closely with multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders to address complex site conditions and technical challenges while helping advance the project’s vision and performance objectives.
Our team is proud to have contributed to a project of such cultural, historical, and social significance. We are honored to have played a role in delivering a landmark destination that celebrates leadership, inspires community engagement, and creates lasting opportunities for generations to come.
