Construction commenced on Aug. 16 on the approximately $500 million Obama Presidential Center in Chicago’s Jackson Park. The initial work includes roadway improvements and construction, the Obama Foundation said in a statement.

With pre-construction underway, the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) announced more details of its construction costs and economic impact for Chicago. In February, the Obama Foundation shared that in addition to breaking ground in 2021, they expressed their commitment to providing subcontracting opportunities to a more diverse workforce.

After more than four years of planning for the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side, the Obama Foundation plans to break ground on the site later this year.

Now that Barack Obama is out of the White House, he’s making a statement on support for Black businesses with a huge deal for the Obama Presidential Center.

A collective of five construction firms — most of them owned by African-Americans — has been hired to manage the building of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.