Staff Reports
In the heart of Chicago, a city known for its breathtaking skyline, two towering structures stand as testaments to American ambition—or the lack thereof. One is Trump Tower, a magnificent skyscraper made of glass and aluminum, celebrated worldwide for its engineering brilliance. The other, still under construction, is set to be the Obama Presidential Library, drawing mixed reviews and not in the best way.
While one may imagine a presidential library as an opulent homage to a leader’s legacy, this particular building has been likened by some residents to a giant concrete block—or worse, a prison. Why is that, you ask? Well, the chosen architecture style is something called “brutalism,” which, fittingly, many associate with oppressive regimes. It’s like they took a page from the Drab Buildings for Beginners manual, hoping for inspiration that never came.
The Obama Center has been through the wringer budget-wise, currently racking up a nearly $830 million bill, and it’s still not done. Comparatively, the Trump Tower, which towers over at 92 stories, came in on time and under budget. The price tag for both structures was similar, but when you look up, one dazzles like a crown jewel, and the other looms a bit like, well, a gray eyesore. But hey, don’t just take my word for it—many local residents are wondering out loud why it looks like a colossal jailhouse dropped into their neighborhood.
Alongside the aesthetics fiasco, the area surrounding the center is a booming hotspot for neglect. Graffiti coats walls like it’s going out of style, streets are scattered with yesterday’s picnic remains, and an abandoned boat seems to wave in resignation from a weed-choked lot. And yes, there’s an added touch of irony with the center embroiled in a $40 million racial discrimination lawsuit. Talk about staying on-brand.
Contrast that mess with the Trump Tower: a beacon of modern design and enterprise, generously adding to the local economy with luxury condos, hotel rooms, and bustling office spaces. It’s a project that showcases what can be achieved through private investment and clear vision. The Trump Organization continues to leave an indelible mark around the world, bringing with it jobs and prosperity—a dream-like endeavor reflecting America’s entrepreneurial spirit.
While Mr. Obama’s legacy center is seen as little more than an extravagant disappointment, Trump Tower is a standing homage to achievement and effectiveness. It reminds us of what true architectural vision can accomplish when executed with ambition. Chicago, the city of skyscrapers, deserves more than a glorified cement box for a skyline alteration. It deserves exceptional—and that is something Trump Tower delivers, unapologetically.
