The Barack Obama Foundation has asked four different institutions for proposals to host the future library of the 44th president of the United States.
The foundation made public on Monday the finalists, which include the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Chicago, the University of Hawaii and Columbia University. Earlier this year, each establishment submitted qualifications to host the presidential library.
“These four potential partners have come the farthest in meeting our criteria and have each demonstrated a strong vision for the future Obama Presidential Library. We look forward to working with each institution to further refine their proposals over the coming months,” Board Chair Martin Nesbitt said in a statement.
The foundation in March released principles for potential hosts, and requested suggestions for the location, design and construction of the facility. Some of the key components were transportation and accessibility, economic development, community engagement and overall support from community partners.
Each possible location must now submit formal proposals by Dec. 11 that detail ideas for the management and organization of the project, site development plans, potential for academic collaboration and marketing strategies.
Board members plan to share the recommendations with the president and first lady by early next year.
Michele Richinick