Construction update Aug. 2021: Roadway improvements begin

A slightly-angled graphic rendering of a large, white rectangular building surrounded by green fields, white pathways and trees. A road is on one side and a body of water on the other.

August 16, 2021 Obama Foundation Update

The Obama Foundation officially begins work on the Obama Presidential Center after a years-long planning and review process. Roadway improvements will continue and construction will begin within the 19.3 acre site of the Center that sits within the 550 acre Jackson Park.

Starting this morning, Cornell Drive will begin to be narrowed from six lanes to four lanes between 59th Street and Hayes Drive. At the same time, the easternmost block of South Midway Plaisance, between Stony Island Avenue and Cornell Drive, will be permanently closed.

Motorists that previously used South Midway Plaisance to connect to Cornell Drive will be directed to an alternate route. For northbound motorists, from August 16 to no later than September 2, drivers will need to turn left and go north on Stony Island Avenue and continue up to 57th Street, then turn right on 57th Street to connect up to Cornell Drive and, if desired, continue up to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Starting no later than September 2, those drivers will still need to turn left and go north on Stony Island Avenue, but only to North Midway Plaisance.

The long-term traffic plan for this area is for North Midway Plaisance to be converted to two-way traffic, and eastbound motorists will then be able to drive “up” North Midway Plaisance from Stony Island Avenue to Cornell Drive. There will be a new signalized intersection at North Midway Plaisance and Cornell Drive.

Ultimately, these new traffic configurations will create better pedestrian connections between the adjacent community, Jackson Park and the lakefront, and better connect currently separated areas of Jackson Park to one another.

CDOT suggests motorists consider the following alternate routes:

For traffic heading to northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive:

  • 55th Street/Garfield Boulevard to the Dan Ryan/I-90/94 and northbound to I-55 and eastbound to northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive

  • Cottage Grove to 47th Street and eastbound to northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive

For traffic heading southbound:

  • 55th Street/Garfield Boulevard to the southbound Dan Ryan/I-90/94

  • 63rd Street eastbound to Hayes Drive and southbound on either Stony Island or South Shore Drive

Help build the Obama Presidential Center

Your donation makes it possible for us to build a world-class museum, library, and gathering spaces on Chicago’s South Side.

Donate to the Barack Obama Foundation. The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

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