Chicago Considers Renaming Landmarks for Prominent Figures

Chicago’s city officials have proposed new ordinances to honor two of its most renowned figures, although obstacles remain on the path to implementation. The proposals are set to rename Northerly Island in homage to Pope Leo XIV and a segment of Wabash Avenue, adjacent to Trump Tower, as ‘Barack Hussein Obama Way.’

Current regulations by the City and Park District prohibit naming streets and parks after living individuals. However, proponents argue exceptions can be made for Chicago’s celebrated pope and president. Alderman Raymond López, a supporter of renaming Northerly Island, emphasized the city’s openness to possibilities. Mayor Brandon Johnson had previously expressed interest in a street named after Pope Leo, prompting López to propose a more significant gesture.

‘I think the best thing that we could do is to put Pope Leo in the center of the city of Chicago, resurrect the use of Northerly Island,’ López stated. ‘Use it as a tool to educate people about Illinois’ most famous Catholic.’

Alderman Brendan Reilly proposed the honorary naming of part of Wabash Avenue after Barack Obama. This proposal, driven by an online petition, garnered significant support, collecting over 24,000 signatures in a short period. Reilly mentioned the financial and logistical challenges in formally renaming the entire avenue, opting instead for an honorary title to honor Obama.

‘This seems like the fastest, easiest way to accomplish the goal,’ Reilly remarked regarding the honorary street naming.

He referenced the City Council’s 2016 decision to remove the ‘Trump Plaza’ designation, suggesting the new proposal seeks to acknowledge Obama instead. Reilly’s ordinance would waive the rule that streets be named posthumously.

The proposal follows a prior suggestion by Alderman Lamont Robinson to rename Columbus Drive after Obama, which was not realized. Reilly confirmed he has not contacted Obama or his team regarding his current proposal. Meanwhile, the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park is gearing up for its official opening ceremony.