Story perspectives

Black Firms Build Obama Center; Trump Hosts White House UFC

6/23/2026

Center

Black Builders Build

Four Black-owned construction firms created the Lakeside Alliance, an unprecedented partnership to build the Obama Presidential Center.
The Obama Presidential Center opened in Chicago while President Donald Trump held a UFC fight night on White House lawn.
Costs rose to $850 million, delaying completion from 2021 to 2026 after federal reviews and lawsuits.
Trump’s UFC event used a 600-ton “Claw” structure, Air Force flyover and 17 million Paramount+ viewers.

Right

Black Builders Build

Residents of Jackson Park Terrace report repeated flooding from construction, forcing them to clean and replace belongings.
Four Black-owned firms formed the Lakeside Alliance to build the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, and continue overseeing it.
Budget grew from $350 million to $850 million, with subcontractors reporting unpaid invoices tens of millions.
Chicago set aside $6 million for affordable housing, tax relief, noting $2,450 rents.

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Black Builders Build

Four Black-owned construction firms created the Lakeside Alliance, an unprecedented partnership to build the Obama Presidential Center.
The Obama Presidential Center opened in Chicago while President Donald Trump held a UFC fight night on White House lawn.
Costs rose to $850 million, delaying completion from 2021 to 2026 after federal reviews and lawsuits.
Trump’s UFC event used a 600-ton “Claw” structure, Air Force flyover and 17 million Paramount+ viewers.

1 / 2