Seven firms make cut to design Obama Center in Chicago

Only one Chicago architectural firm is among the seven finalists the Barack Obama Foundation announced to design the Obama Presidential Center, to be located either in Jackson or Washington parks on the city's South Side.

Chicago's John Ronan Architects was invited to the next stage of the competition, along with some of the highest profile firms in the world: four based in New York; one in London and another in Genova, Italy.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle picked the seven firms to advance to the finals. The architectural direction the Obamas' want to take is now clear, since all the firms are known for their striking, modern buildings.

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