BUILD IT BETTER

Inside the Panels   

Design & Construction of the Obama Presidential Center
Explore the design and construction of the Museum Tower’s distinctive granite exterior at the Obama Presidential Center, one of the most technically complex projects underway in Chicago. You’ll hear how the architect, general contractor, and stone installation contractor worked together to bring the tower’s façade to life. Learn how the team approached stone selection, developed panel design and detailing, and used shop drawings to translate architectural intent into a buildable system. You’ll also see how close coordination among project partners shaped the exterior wall assembly to support durability, constructability, and long-term performance,  offering practical insight into delivering complex façade systems through strong collaboration between design and construction teams.

Delivering Quality Through Collaboration   
Successful commercial projects rely on strong partnerships between owners, general contractors, and trade partners. You’ll hear how intentional collaboration across the project team supports smoother delivery, reduces conflicts, and helps achieve higher-quality results. Panelists will share practical ways trade partners can engage early, communicate clearly, and coordinate closely with GCs and owners to improve efficiency and address challenges before they escalate. You’ll gain real-world insight into how shared goals, trust, and accountability across the team lead to stronger outcomes and more successful commercial construction projects.

ABOUT THE OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER

The Obama Presidential Center is a multi-building campus taking shape in Chicago’s historic Jackson Park on the city’s South Side. The development includes the Obama Presidential Museum, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, a forum building designed for community programs and events, and new park and plaza spaces intended to reconnect visitors with the nearby landscape.

Designed to act as both a cultural destination and a civic gathering place, the campus will host exhibitions, public programming, educational initiatives, and community events showing the legacy of the Obama presidency and its emphasis on civic participation.

The project also represents a significant construction effort, including approximately 190,000 square feet of natural stone across the campus, with major exterior and interior installations enhancing the architectural character of the buildings. During the forum, members of the project’s construction team will share insights into the coordination and planning required to deliver a project of this scale. You’ll gain perspective on the collaboration, craftsmanship, and problem-solving involved in bringing this nationally significant project from concept to reality.