$7bn United Center area development plan

Article posted by Coliseum, July 29^th, 2024

Image: The 1901 Project

The owners of Chicago’s United Center arena have unveiled a $7 billion private investment in Chicago’s West Side to transform the area.

The 1901 Project has been developed by a United Center Joint Venture, alongside city and community leaders.

The consortium said it will be a catalytic development for Chicago’s West Side and a world-class destination for all of Chicago, to include housing, retail, entertainment and public open space on more than 55 acres of privately owned land surrounding the iconic arena campus.

United Center next-generation owners Michael Reinsdorf and Danny Wirtz jointly announced plans for the largest private investment on Chicago’s West Side.

Image: The 1901 Project

United Center is an indoor arena on the Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. It is home to the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL).

With a capacity of nearly 21,000, the United Center is the largest arena by capacity in the NBA, and second largest arena by capacity in the NHL. It also has a seating capacity of 23,500 for concerts.

Spearheaded by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families, The 1901 Project will transform the West Side with a jolt of new development, bridging neighborhoods and enhancing opportunities for residents, businesses and all of Chicago.

The transformative development is estimated to create approximately 63,000 construction jobs, offering extensive employment opportunities during the development phase.

Image: The 1901 Project

Additionally, upon completion, The 1901 Project will support around 12,000 permanent jobs, fostering long-term economic growth and stability for the community. These investments will not only enhance the economic landscape throughout Chicago but also improve the quality of life for residents long left without such opportunities on Chicago’s West Side, the consortium said.

Reinsdorf added, “The 1901 Project represents a continuation of our families’ 100-years-and-counting commitment to the future of Chicago’s West Side.

“This investment will create a thriving, interconnected neighborhood, delivering significant benefits and resources to the community we have long called home.”

The 1901 Project is a long-term, multi-phased development vision spanning an estimated 10 years.

The first phase of the project aims to begin in spring 2025 on property that is today surface parking lots adjacent to the arena. This initial phase will feature:

A 6,000-seat capacity theater-style music hall: An intimate, premier venue designed to attract music, arts and cultural events, enhancing Chicago’s entertainment industry.
A one-of-a-kind elevated park: Innovative green space strategically integrated on the west side of the campus, providing more than 25 acres of public recreational and community gathering space.
Parking and Transportation Reimagined parking facilities and improved pedestrian experience with enhanced walkability, lighting, roads and bike lanes uniquely designed to blend into the development.
Hotel and retail programming: A mix of hospitality and retail options aimed at boosting local commerce and creating jobs.

Wirtz said, “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.

“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.”

Phase I development will include partnerships with key organizations, including Hire360 and Communities Empowered Through Construction, to facilitate a strong, local workforce component.

Integrated into the vision is a strong minority business component through MBE/WBE construction partnerships as well as apprenticeships, mentorship and subcontracting opportunities to ensure smaller, diverse companies participate in its development.

Wirtz said, “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.

“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand on a legacy that makes all of Chicago proud.”

Future phase development envisions housing that spans various unit sizes and includes affordable, market rate and luxury housing to ensure a vibrant mix of residential offerings for single persons and families.

Transportation enhancements will better connect the neighborhood through multi-modal means including bike, pedestrian, car and rail enhancements. Immersed in green spaces and sustainability features as well as decorative lighting, pedestrian plazas and landscaping will also aid in community safety and accessibility.

All in, the $7 billion investment is set to deliver substantial economic benefits to the West Side, with an estimated $9.5 billion in direct economic impact and $40 million in stabilized tax revenue, providing significant financial support to local public services and infrastructure.

Jerry Reinsdorf, co-chair United Center Joint Venture, said, “Rocky Wirtz and I long agreed that our families hold an important civic responsibility to give back to the people in our communities off the field, the court and the ice.

“We strive to do so through our team charity arms, but we have also sought out opportunities in the last 30 years to drive positive impact in our neighborhoods by providing economic opportunity for the people of Chicago who live and work in the blocks surrounding our ballpark and arena. Today’s announcement builds on this effort led by both families to leave a lasting legacy on the West Side.”

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