Carpenter Builds Legacy at Obama Presidential Center
Gregory Coleman, a Chicago native, contributed to the construction of the iconic 225-foot museum tower in Woodlawn.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in African-American
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Chicago carpenter Gregory Coleman played a role in the creation of the Obama Presidential Center museum tower in Woodlawn. The 26-year-old local helped construct the 225-foot structure that features concrete text from a 2015 speech.
Why it matters
The project showcases the impact of workforce development programs like the Chicago Housing Authority Trades and Apprenticeships initiative. Coleman leveraged this training to launch a professional path in construction.
The museum tower reaches a height of 225 feet and displays concrete lettering from a 2015 speech. Gregory Coleman, now 26, is currently in his third year of a five-year apprenticeship program.
The players
Gregory Coleman
He is a 26-year-old carpenter from Englewood who is currently completing a five-year apprenticeship.
Chicago Housing Authority
This municipal agency provides housing and workforce training initiatives for residents throughout the city.
The details
Coleman, an Englewood native, transitioned into the trades after completing a three-month paid pre-apprenticeship program through the Chicago Housing Authority. His involvement in the construction project follows two years of experience working in South Bend, Indiana.
Timeline
President Obama delivered his speech in 2015.
Coleman attended the CHA Trades and Apprenticeships Expo in 2022.
The Obama Presidential Center is scheduled to open in Woodlawn in June 2026.
Culture Shift
The project reflects a broader move toward prioritizing local workforce development in major municipal construction efforts. This initiative aligns with the Chicago Housing Authority Trades and Apprenticeships program to create tangible pathways into skilled labor careers.
Local residents can look to the Obama Presidential Center as a model for how public infrastructure projects can integrate neighborhood-based vocational training. This framework demonstrates how individuals can utilize city programs to build professional skills in fields like solar technology and robotics.
The takeaway
Career development in the trades often begins with accessible pre-apprenticeship programs that lead to long-term certification opportunities. Pursuing specialized skills in areas like robotics and welding can enhance a worker's professional versatility in the construction industry.
Further reading
Learn more about local community developments in the African-American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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