Chicago Construction News staff writer
A significant mixed-use expansion is in the works for Chicago, as the owners of the United Center—home to the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks—recently announced a $7 billion project aimed at transforming the West Side.
Work is expected to span about 10 years and create 63,000 construction jobs. Phase I development will include partnerships with key organizations to facilitate a strong, local workforce partnership. Integrated into the vision is a minority business strategy through MBE/WBE construction partnerships as well as apprenticeships, mentorship and subcontracting opportunities to ensure smaller, diverse companies participate in its development.
“While this is just the beginning, we have already started to engage with our neighbors and community partners to identify areas of opportunity for community wealth generation from this private investment,” said Danny Wirtz. “We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand on a legacy that makes all of Chicago proud.”
Michael Reinsdorf and Danny Wirtz unveiled The 1901 Project, a development plan encompassing more than fifty-five acres of privately owned land surrounding the arena. This initiative is poised to be the largest private investment in the city’s West Side to date.
“The 1901 Project represents a continuation of our families’ commitment to the future of Chicago’s West Side,” Michael Reinsdorf said. “This investment will create a thriving, interconnected neighborhood, delivering significant benefits and resources to the community we have long called home.”
The first phase of construction is expected to begin in spring 2025 on surface parking lots adjacent to the United Center and will feature:
- A 6,000-seat theater-style music hall intended to host a variety of music, arts, and cultural events.
- An elevated park on the west side of the campus, offering more than 10 acres of public space for recreation and community gatherings.
- Redesigned parking facilities alongside enhanced pedestrian access, including improved walkability, lighting, roads, and bike lanes.
- A diverse array of hospitality and retail options to stimulate local commerce and generate jobs.
Future phases will introduce a mix of housing options, including affordable, market-rate, and luxury units. Transportation improvements will enhance connectivity through bike, pedestrian, car, and rail options.
“The vision for The 1901 Project is to bring impactful investment and economic opportunity to the West Side that complements and supports its rich history and galvanizes its vibrancy,” Danny Wirtz said. “We aim to create a development alongside our neighbors to deliver jobs, housing, commerce and community resources, creating a more prosperous future for all residents.”
