From the Obama Center to Google's Chicago headquarters, here's what's happening architecturally in 2026
Chicago Sun-Times••world
Key Points:
- The Obama Presidential Center, an $850 million, 20-acre complex in Jackson Park designed by top architects, is set to open in June 2026 after extensive legal and federal reviews, though its 225-foot museum tower and impact on a historic park remain controversial.
- Google's new Chicago headquarters, a $280 million renovation of the James R. Thompson Center, will be completed in 2026, featuring a new glass facade and interior updates while retaining the original atrium, with the original architects' firm involved.
- The Chicago Bears continue their uncertain and contentious search for a new stadium site, recently exploring Northwest Indiana after setbacks in Illinois, raising concerns about public funding and the need for a solution that benefits taxpayers.
- Bally
