Chicago is evaluating proposals to honor two of its distinguished figures by renaming key locations in the city. On Wednesday, aldermen presented ordinances to rename Northerly Island after Pope Leo XIV and a portion of Wabash Avenue in front of Trump Tower as ‘Barack Hussein Obama Way.’
These initiatives face a significant challenge due to existing City and Park District guidelines that forbid naming streets and parks after individuals who are still living. Nevertheless, supporters argue for exceptions in these notable cases. ‘Nothing’s impossible in the city of Chicago,’ said Ald. Raymond López, advocating for the ‘Pope Leo XIV Northerly Island’ designation. Mayor Brandon Johnson indicated interest in naming a street for the pope. López suggested extending the honor further. He proposed that Northerly Island could serve as both a tribute and an educational resource to celebrate Illinois’ most prominent Catholic figure.
Ald. Brendan Reilly put forward the ‘Barack Hussein Obama Way’ proposal to rebrand a section of downtown Wabash Avenue. This proposal gained momentum from an online petition with 24,301 signatures advocating for the renaming of the road adjoining Trump Tower. ‘This started as a joke years ago, but it feels apt now,’ Reilly commented. He deemed this approach the most straightforward method to achieve recognition.
Reilly recognized the appeal in officially renaming the entire Wabash Avenue but identified challenges, including the expenses associated with new road signage, GPS database updates, and map printing. His ordinance suggests bypassing the rule that streets be named solely after deceased individuals. He referenced the City Council’s 2016 decision to eliminate the ‘Trump Plaza’ honorary designation from near Trump’s hotel, highlighting the intent to honor Obama instead. ‘Though we can’t remove the sign from Trump Tower, we can commemorate President Obama with the street name,’ Reilly stated.
In 2024, Ald. Lamont Robinson sought the renaming of Columbus Drive for Obama, but this proposal stalled without gaining support from Obama. Reilly confirmed no discussions with Obama or his team regarding his latest proposition. The Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park is preparing for an official inauguration event on Thursday.