An open request for bids to host President Barack Obama’s presidential library is now closed, and at least five Chicago groups have their hats in the ring.
The Barack Obama Foundation, the White House-backed nonprofit in charge of the selection process, would not announce a detailed list, but said it received 13 “Request for Qualifications” applications. The group will narrow the list later in the summer, beginning a new proposal phase.
A group of Bronzeville leaders are among five confirmed Chicago bidders–an apparent underdog competing against highly-publicized bids from the University of Chicago and University of Illinois.
But members of the Black Metropolis Heritage Area Commission, the group submitting Bronzeville’s bid, told media their pursuit is about economic development and heritage, not competition.
In its 98-page document sent to the library foundation, the Bronzeville group says the library would revitalize the community and encourage leadership.
Meanwhile Columbia University in New York and a team of officials in Hawaii have also submitted bids.
The Obama Foundation said on its website, it plans announce the bid winners in 2015.
Chicago Obama library bidders and proposal info:
- University of Chicago (Read UofC bid info)
- University of Illinois at Chicago (Read UIC bid info)
- Chicago State University (Read CSU bid info)
- Real estate developer Dan McCaffery and Lakeside Development
- Black Metropolis Heritage Area Commission and Bronzeville neighborhood (Read Bronzeville bid)
