The Rezko Mansion would make an ideal Residential Library, it has been empty since 2008.
The Obama Foundation said Wednesday the Chicago Park District’s approval to transfer land in Washington Park and Jackson Park for the Obama Presidential Library improves the city’s chances for getting the coveted attraction.
The park district voted unanimously Wednesday evening to approve the transfer after about an hour of public comment.
The Obama Foundation applauded the decision: “The Foundation welcomes the action of the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners, which improves Chicago’s bids for the Obama Presidential Center,” a statement said. “We appreciate the City of Chicago’s efforts to develop a competitive and robust proposal and the engagement of the community and City Council in an open dialogue about the potential of a future Center.”[…]
The unanimous vote by five park district commissioners didn’t come easy. And at least one park conservancy group says it plans to file legal action against the city.
Park District Vice President Avis Lavelle told a packed Near North Side gymnasium crowd that the board had heard more than eight hours of public testimony: “I don’t recall any issue that has ever come before us that has been so thoroughly discussed as this,” Lavelle said.[…]
The University of Chicago’s proposed library site is roughly 21 acres of Washington Park or 20 acres of Jackson Park.
Should Chicago not be chosen for the library, the land will remain park space.
The park district resolution follows an ordinance Emanuel introduced in January to allow for the transfer of land. Francis said her group is evaluating legal options and will take action following the City Council vote.