CHICAGO (AP) - The Latest on former President Barack Obama’s Chicago visit (all times local):
1:35 p.m.
Former President Barack Obama says he envisions his future presidential center as an institution where the next generation of young leaders will be trained.
Obama spoke Wednesday at a community forum in Chicago where renderings of the center and library were unveiled.
Obama estimates the center will be finished in four years, but says programming will start this year. He announced he and former first Lady Michelle Obama will personally donate $2 million to summer job efforts in Chicago.
The former president received a friendly hometown reception from the crowd, which included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, his one-time chief of staff.
Obama didn’t mention his successor, instead focusing on details about the center, including potential exhibits and traffic patterns.
Obama says he hopes the center will become a hub of activity on Chicago’s South Side, where Obama started his political career.
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11:45 a.m.
The public is getting a first look at plans for the Obama Presidential Center at an event on Chicago’s South Side where the former president is expected to speak.
Drawings and a miniature model of the planned center, forum and library in a Lake Michigan park are on display Wednesday in Chicago. The renderings showcase three buildings, including a tower-like museum and tree-lined walk ways. The Obama Foundation says the total center could span up to 225,000 square feet and green space will be preserved.
Former President Barack Obama and one of the architects are expected to participate in a panel discussion to “update the community” on progress. Former first lady Michelle Obama is expected to attend.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a former White House chief of staff in the Obama administration, is also scheduled to appear.
The project is expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
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7 a.m.
Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will visit Chicago for a community meeting to discuss their planned library and museum.
The Obamas plan to host a round table discussion Wednesday to “update the community” on the progress of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side. The Obamas are also expected to hear from community members on their ideas for the library.
New York-based Ralph Appelbaum Associates will head a team of several firms and individuals with expertise in media, lighting and acoustics in designing exhibits.
The Obama Foundation has said almost half of the exhibition design work for the museum will be performed by minority- and women-owned businesses.
The project is expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
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