Chicago Considers Honorary Renaming of Street Near Trump Tower to Barack Obama Way

Chicago is contemplating an honorary renaming of a section of North Wabash Avenue to "Barack Hussein Obama Way" as a tribute to the former president. This proposal, introduced by Alderman Brendan Reilly, coincides with the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. While the initiative has gained significant public support through a petition, it aims for an honorary designation rather than an official name change. Mayor Brandon Johnson has expressed his backing for the proposal, highlighting the importance of recognizing Obama's legacy. The discussion also touches on the contributions of Michelle Obama, with the mayor humorously suggesting a neighborhood renaming in her honor.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 29, 2026, 03:18 IST

Proposal to Honor Barack Obama in Chicago

Officials in Chicago are deliberating a proposal to honorarily rename a section of North Wabash Avenue adjacent to Trump Tower as "Barack Hussein Obama Way." This initiative was put forth just before the inauguration of the Obama Presidential Center. The proposal was introduced by Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward on Wednesday, a day prior to the center's grand opening in Jackson Park. Notably, former President Donald Trump was not invited to the ceremony.

If the ordinance is passed, it would designate the east side of North Wabash Avenue, stretching from East Kinzie Street to East Wacker Drive, as "Honorary Barack Hussein Obama Way." Honorary signs would be placed outside Trump Tower located at 401 N. Wabash Ave. and on the nearby Wabash Avenue Bridge.

This proposal follows a Change.org petition initiated in early May, which has garnered nearly 30,000 signatures advocating for the renaming of Wabash Avenue in tribute to former President Barack Obama. The petition states, "We propose a tribute to a figure who stands for hope and change, Barack Hussein Obama. By renaming Wabash Ave in Chicago to Barack Hussein Obama Ave, we would honor him at the time of his presidential center's opening. This move resonates with hope and progress, uniting us in the pursuit of a brighter tomorrow."

However, it's important to note that Reilly's proposal does not aim for an official street renaming; rather, it seeks an honorary designation, meaning the official address of Trump Tower would remain unchanged, despite the claims made by the petition's organizer.

Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his support for the initiative, stating, "I think any way in which we can honor the first Black president in the history of America is always a good thing." When addressing concerns about honoring a living individual, Johnson remarked, "I think President Obama is an exception." He added, "We'll have the debate [on the proposal], but there certainly is no debate about the exceptional leadership of President Obama and Mrs. Obama." The mayor humorously suggested that former First Lady Michelle Obama deserves more recognition, saying, "Maybe I'll come up with an idea to rename the whole South Shore community and just call it Michelle Obama neighborhood."