The Wintergarden is a public-private, semi-conditioned space that serves as a gateway to the Obama Presidential Center’s core functions.  Aside from playing a key role in the Center’s ability to reach onsite Net Zero Energy, this passively ventilated space serves as a year-round, sheltered environment to access the Center’s key functions, and is an extension of Obama Square.

Moreover, the Wintergarden space is enlivened by year-round restaurant and café activities, retail, and rotating community exhibits and events.  The wide expanses of open area are intended to serve a variety of community functions, such as public discussions and performance, farmers’ markets, holiday celebrations, and art fairs.  This all-year, public nature of the space is unique in Chicago neighborhoods, and will help ensure that the Obama Presidential Center remains activated through all seasons.  In configuring the Wintergarden as a conduit and frontispiece to the Presidential Center’s primary points of entry, a direct connection between the formal functions of the complex and its community engagement features is secured.