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The Obama Presidential Center has reached a milestone years in the making, and it’s one that carries real meaning for Chicago, especially its South Side community. The first building on the future campus, known as Home Court, is officially complete, offering an early glimpse into what the full Center will bring when it opens.
More than a building, Home Court represents the foundation of a larger vision: creating accessible spaces where community, creativity, and culture can thrive.
Home Court spans 60,000 square feet and is designed as a multipurpose recreational center. At its heart is a full regulation-size NBA basketball court, a nod to President Obama’s lifelong love for the game. Flooded with natural light and framed by sweeping glass windows, the court is built to be inviting, energetic, and ready for everything from youth programs to community tournaments.
But the space is more than hardwood and hoops. Home Court features fitness rooms, flexible meeting spaces, and multipurpose areas designed to support classes, gatherings, events, and recreational programming for residents of all ages.
The building was brought to life by Moody Nolan, the nation’s largest Black-owned architecture firm, whose work is rooted in community-centered design. Every element feels intentional: the openness, the warmth, the visibility, and the accessibility. It’s a space that mirrors the South Side’s spirit, vibrant, communal, and future-minded.
Their design ensures Home Court feels modern and functional while still grounded in a sense of cultural pride and local identity.
With construction moving forward across Jackson Park, Home Court stands as a preview of what’s to come. The full Obama Presidential Center — including the museum, library, learning gardens, and public gathering spaces — is projected to open in 2026. And if this first building is any indication, the campus will be a transformative addition to Chicago.
For many, Home Court symbolizes something deeper: investment where it matters, access where it’s needed, and community uplift rooted in legacy.
The doors may have just opened, but the impact is already in motion.