Lakeside Alliance

Lakeside Alliance Builder of the Obama Presidential Center

Intentional transformation. Lasting impact.When first came together over a decade ago to pursue the , we knew we had ...
06/29/2026

Intentional transformation. Lasting impact.

When first came together over a decade ago to pursue the , we knew we had to approach this first-of-its-kind project differently.

The story is about more than breaking the mold of how construction projects are led. It’s about creating opportunities at every level and to have those opportunities extend well beyond our construction site and into our communities.

In the latest blog, we’re sharing what we set out to accomplish and how community-driven inclusion has the power to change the industry forever.

Read the full blog: https://www.lakesidealliance.com/la-stories/building-a-legacy

06/25/2026

“We needed to be not just part of the construction process – we needed to lead it.”

CBS Chicago recently sat down with Jimmy Akintonde, Kelly Powers Baria, Junisa Brima and Ernest Brown from our leadership team to discuss the story!

As we reflect on our work on the , it’s been deeply meaningful to look back at how we came together and celebrate all we’ve accomplished.

Check out the full story here: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/obama-presidential-center-black-owned-construction-companies/

06/19/2026

Over ten years ago, when President Obama was still in office, Mamon Powers, Jr. of Powers & Sons Construction had an idea to use the construction of a Center recognizing our nation’s first Black president to transform the paradigm of the industry.

With that vision in mind, Mamon got to work connecting with other Black-owned contractors to form a consortium of minority-led firms that would pursue this project. In the end, four firms — Brown & Momen, Powers and Sons, Safeway Construction Company, and Ujamaa Construction, Inc. — joined forces with Turner Construction Company to form . Together, we sought to be the change we wished to see in construction: creating jobs on the South Side of Chicago, exposing young people to career paths in the trades and providing opportunities to diverse contractors.

As the officially opens to the public today, we complete our work as the project’s builder. With this chapter ending, we’re sharing how it all began.

This is an historic day years in the making. Today, President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, leaders from the Obama F...
06/18/2026

This is an historic day years in the making. Today, President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, leaders from the Obama Foundation, and other guests and leaders gathered for the dedication of the . was proud to be there to celebrate this incredible milestone!

With millions of workforce hours under ’s toolbelts, we are thrilled to celebrate the opening of this new landmark. This project has inspired our entire team to create positive, inclusive change, and we’re excited for the world to see the culmination of this work. Thank you to every member of the family whose drive and dedication built the Center.

The officially opens to the public tomorrow. See you soon!

Yesterday, members of the team joined President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and nearly 500 supporters and ...
06/17/2026

Yesterday, members of the team joined President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and nearly 500 supporters and contributors for a celebration ahead of the ’s grand opening this Friday!

It was incredibly meaningful to gather with some of the many people who have worked on this project at every stage and celebrate the journey we’ve shared over the years. would not be here today without this driven group of leaders, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to honor our work on this project together.

“The South Side is not waiting for opportunity. We’re building it.” –Emerald South Economic Development CollaborativeWit...
06/17/2026

“The South Side is not waiting for opportunity. We’re building it.” –Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative

With the opening later this week, a new era is beginning on the South Side of Chicago.

This is — our time to embrace opportunity. From the outset of this project, has been committed to uplifting diverse contractors and ensuring our workforce is representative of the community we call home.

We’re so proud to be on the frontlines of this momentum, and we can’t wait to see it continue to grow with the opening of the .

What a night at Navy Pier!🎆Earlier this week, was honored with Project of the Year at the Federation of Women Contract...
06/12/2026

What a night at Navy Pier!🎆

Earlier this week, was honored with Project of the Year at the Federation of Women Contractors WomenRock Awards for redefining what’s possible in partnership, participation and transformational development through our work on the ! 🎉

We’re so grateful for the recognition and for the opportunity to celebrate with so many industry peers. Thank you to FWC and to all of our colleagues for an incredible night!

06/10/2026

“Yes, you can!”

Last week, members of the leadership team sat down with ABC 7 Chicago to reflect on the project as construction concludes.

Hear from Jimmy Akintonde, Kelly Powers Baria, Ernest Brown and Junisa Brima about how the Center was built with intention at every step of the process, and how programs like helped build bridges between today’s youth and the future of the construction industry.

Check out the full story here: https://abc7chicago.com/post/black-owned-construction-firms-bring-chicagos-obama-presidential-center-life/19242294/

to the Museum building topping out and beam signing!In June 2024, the Museum of the reached its full height. To comm...
06/04/2026

to the Museum building topping out and beam signing!

In June 2024, the Museum of the reached its full height. To commemorate this significant milestone, President Obama joined on site to sign a beam that was later installed in the Sky Room Ceiling. Now, our team has their legacy permanently etched into this new landmark alongside the President’s.

Two years and countless achievements later, is getting ready to hang up our hard hats and open the doors to the . Opening day is just 15 days away — we can’t wait to see you there!

Congratulations to ’s very own Kelly Powers Baria for being named to Crain's Chicago Business Notable Leaders in Archit...
06/02/2026

Congratulations to ’s very own Kelly Powers Baria for being named to Crain's Chicago Business Notable Leaders in Architecture, Engineering & Construction 2026!

As a member of our leadership team, Kelly has helped ensure that our work building the helped transform the paradigm of construction in Chicago.

We’re so proud to celebrate her many successes both as a leader of and with Powers & Sons Construction! Check out the full list of honorees here: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/recognitions/notable/leaders-architecture-engineering-construction/2026/

Address

1514 E 63rd Street
Chicago, IL
60637

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13122772177

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Lakeside Alliance posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Lakeside Alliance:

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category