Former President Barack Obama visited his foundation's South Side Chicago offices to discuss the future of his presidential center.
Obama on Tuesday told the audience of residents, activists and community leaders that despite the recent complications, he's committed to building the sprawling campus in Jackson Park. He says he believes the site will have the greatest impact for area residents.
Foundation officials in recent weeks acknowledged they were pushing the date back for the groundbreaking. Foundation leaders wanted to break ground on the $500 million project before the end of this year.
Before the presidential center can be built, the federal government will review its impact on Jackson Park. Any impact the review highlights will have to be resolved before construction can be allowed.
Obama also spent time visiting with 20 students learning coding at Solorio Academy High School as part of the One Summer Chicago program. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was also at the school.
“One Summer Chicago offers more than a paycheck," Emanuel said in a statement. :It provides job training and positive role models that teach the importance of civic engagement. By training our students and engaging them in their communities today, we are building the future leaders of tomorrow.”
Obama praised the program for providing youth with "exposure to what might be possible," according to the mayor's office.
