The Barack Hussein Obama Presidential Center opened today in Chicago, but subcontractors who built the campus claim they remain owed millions of dollars—payments that have yet to materialize despite years of work.
Investigations reveal claimed losses ranging from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars among minority-owned and local firms, many of whom were intended beneficiaries of the project’s commitment to supporting diverse businesses. The allegations directly contradict one of the center’s core promises: helping minority-owned contractors thrive through Chicago’s highest-profile construction initiative.
Omar Shareef, president of the African American Contractors Association, stated: “What sense is celebrating Juneteenth if our Black contractors are not getting their money?”
The Obama Foundation confirmed it paid Lakeside Alliance—the project’s construction manager—which was responsible for hiring and paying subcontractors. Lakeside reported that outstanding payment matters remain unresolved.
The 19.3-acre campus on Chicago’s South Side, initially billed as a lasting legacy to Barack Hussein Obama, has seen its construction costs rise from $830 million in 2021 to likely exceed $1 billion. Subcontractor owners described chaotic work environments marked by repeated design changes, rework, scheduling disruptions, extensive oversight, and years-long compensation disputes that continue without resolution.
Among the affected is Adamson Plumbing, owned by Mike Owen, who reported being nearly $4 million in debt: “That is a hole that no subcontractor, small business can survive,” he said.
Some subcontractors are literally going broke over this project as they race to recover unpaid sums ahead of the center’s grand opening.
