When it opens in late 2025, the Home Court will be the first completed space on the Obama Presidential Center campus in Chicago. Located on the southwest corner of the 19.3-acre Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, the Home Court will be the largest gathering space on the campus.
Renderings recently have been released of the 45,000-sf multipurpose sports facility and events space designed by Moody Nolan. Elevate Design Builders, a joint firm led by Bowa Construction and AECOM Hunt, is the builder.
The Home Court features a regulation-size NBA basketball court with intersecting practice courts, flexible seating, fitness equipment, and training spaces. A mezzanine level provides additional seating for an intimate spectator experience. Home Court also offers multipurpose spaces for community activities.
The Home Court’s design is inspired by two of President Obama’s passions: basketball and community building. The sleek metal and glass panel exterior has been patterned to evoke a basketball net and community connection. The expansive, east-facing glass façade—fritted to protect birds by keeping them from striking it—will offer views of the campus.
“From the outset, President Obama knew he wanted our Home Court to be a place where people could come for fun, inspiration, and learning—the kind of community spaces we need in an inclusive democracy,” Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett said in a statement. “We intend for it to be an extraordinary resource to our community that will allow families to improve their health and wellness, and participate in educational and career readiness programming all in hopes of building a brighter, healthier future.”
The design aligns with the Obama Foundation’s sustainability goals for the campus. The two-story lobby will provide natural light for many of the building’s interior spaces. Like the rest of the campus, the Home Court will be heated and cooled mostly with geothermal energy, part of the campus-wide strategy to avoid using fossil fuels.
![Rendering: Obama Foundation](/sites/default/files/inline-images/53594357257_92f8997678_o.jpg)
![Multipurpose sports facility will be first completed space at Obama Presidential Center](/sites/default/files/inline-images/53594357347_94dd4fd828_k.jpg)
![Multipurpose sports facility will be first completed space at Obama Presidential Center](/sites/default/files/inline-images/53594357427_f3ce1a82b2_o.jpg)
![Multipurpose sports facility will be first completed space at Obama Presidential Center](/sites/default/files/inline-images/53595232236_9a570e5c37_o.jpg)
![Multipurpose sports facility will be first completed space at Obama Presidential Center](/sites/default/files/inline-images/53595233621_4a1d33c236_k.jpg)
![Multipurpose sports facility will be first completed space at Obama Presidential Center](/sites/default/files/inline-images/53595438743_525d506570_o.jpg)
![Multipurpose sports facility will be first completed space at Obama Presidential Center](/sites/default/files/inline-images/53595438948_8bf5e2cde6_k.jpg)
![Multipurpose sports facility will be first completed space at Obama Presidential Center](/sites/default/files/inline-images/53595440523_3e33c9f4fa_k.jpg)
![Multipurpose sports facility will be first completed space at Obama Presidential Center](/sites/default/files/inline-images/53595551364_1b50774f7d_k.jpg)
![Multipurpose sports facility will be first completed space at Obama Presidential Center](/sites/default/files/inline-images/53595551379_4239e82120_k.jpg)
![Multipurpose sports facility will be first completed space at Obama Presidential Center](/sites/default/files/inline-images/53595551414_d64b64bb46_3k.jpg)
![Multipurpose sports facility will be first completed space at Obama Presidential Center](/sites/default/files/inline-images/53595552244_699f7c9cf2_k.jpg)
![Multipurpose sports facility will be first completed space at Obama Presidential Center](/sites/default/files/inline-images/53600945575_295e242c5c_k.jpg)
Related Stories
| Nov 22, 2011
Jones Lang LaSalle completes construction of two new stores in Manhattan
Firm creates new global design standard serving as project manager for Uniglo’s 89,000-sf flagship location and, 64,000-sf store.
| Oct 24, 2011
BBS Architects & Engineers receives 2011 Sustainable Design Award from AIA Long Island Chapter
AIA LI also recognized BBS with the 2011 ARCHI Award Commendation for the St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery Welcoming and Information Center in Farmingdale, NY.
| Oct 14, 2011
University of New Mexico Science & Math Learning Center attains LEED for Schools Gold
Van H. Gilbert architects enhances sustainability credentials.
| Oct 12, 2011
Consigli Construction breaks ground for Bigelow Laboratory Center for Ocean Health
Consigli to build third phase of 64-acre Ocean Science and Education Campus, design by WBRC Architects , engineers in association with Perkins + Will
| Sep 30, 2011
BBS Architects & Engineers completes welcoming center at St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery
The new structure serves as the cemetery's focal architectural point and center of operations.
| Sep 14, 2011
Lend Lease’s role in 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Lend Lease is honored to be the general contractor for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum project at the World Trade Center site in New York City.
| Sep 12, 2011
Living Buildings: Are AEC Firms up to the Challenge?
Modular Architecture > You’ve done a LEED Gold or two, maybe even a LEED Platinum. But are you and your firm ready to take on the Living Building Challenge? Think twice before you say yes.
| May 25, 2011
Olympic site spurs green building movement in UK
London's environmentally friendly 2012 Olympic venues are fuelling a green building movement in Britain.
| May 18, 2011
Improvements add to Detroit convention center’s appeal
Interior and exterior renovations and updates will make the Detroit Cobo Center more appealing to conventioneers. A new 40,000-sf ballroom will take advantage of the center’s riverfront location, with views of the river and downtown.