The proposed location for the Obama Presidential Center at Washington Park is energized by the pulse of the city, with C.T.A. mass transit escorting visitors and residents literally to its door.  An urban project site with such a high degree of exposure is always a highly coveted asset, and paired with the beautiful setting at the edge of Washington Park, a more attractive setting for a major urban development is hard to envision.

Amazingly, the proposed site surrounding the C.T.A. station currently sits either vacant or minimally improved, clear evidence of poor urban planning and the urban struggles Chicago has faced.  Creating an Obama Presidential Center at this location, which could do so much to strengthen the neighborhood and its social infrastructure, makes obvious sense.

Revitalizing the Green Line Station at Garfield Boulevard is a synergistic strategy that is good for the neighborhood and good for the environment.  As a new neighborhood anchor, it will strengthen the purpose of mass transit on the South Side, anchoring a new neighborhood center that can spread its positive influence outward on a local and regional scale.  What currently is a forlorn, windswept landscape can be beautified with a world-class institution on full display.  Alternately, an active and healthy transit station, complete with neighborhood retail, flourishing landscaping, inviting lighting, and lively community activity, can provide a conjunct presence for the Presidential Center and help to ensure its vital presence in the city fabric.

As is depicted on the following slide, many important and strategic linkages are available to the Obama Presidential Center by engaging with the Green Line Station:

• Bronzeville  --  1 to 4 Stops North
• The Illinois Institute of Technology  --  5 Stops North, 3.00 Miles
• McCormick Place Convention Center  --  6 Stops North, 3.75 Miles
• The South Loop / Soldier Field  --  7 Stops North, 5.00 Miles
• The Chicago Loop  --  8 Stops North, 5.75 Miles
• Englewood and Woodlawn Communities  --  1-2 Stops South (Dedicated Branches)

here .