For the most part, presidential libraries haven't been catalysts for economic development, says Anthony Clark, a former congressional staffer who wrote a book on the history and politics of presidential libraries.
"The only presidential library that I'm aware of that's shown a positive, sustaining economic impact on the local community is the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, specifically because it was one of the stated goals," he says.
Clinton's center and park—costing $165 million and covering approximately 30 acres—was built in a warehouse district near downtown Little Rock, Ark., in 2004. An analysis from the local chamber of commerce found it accelerated downtown investment to the tune of $2.46 billion, and had a total economic impact of $3.3 billion during its first 10 years.
