The Chicago Plan Commission has approved The 1901 Project, an ambitious redevelopment plan for the parking lots surrounding the United Center on the Near West Side. This transformative project, named after the arena’s address at 1901 W. Madison Street, is a privately funded, $7 billion initiative led by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families, owners of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. The project aims to create a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood with world-class amenities while supporting the local community.
The redevelopment spans 55 acres and is divided into multiple phases, with Phase One scheduled to begin in 2025 and the entire project expected to be completed by 2040. The project is being designed by Los Angeles-based firm RIOS, with landscape work by Field Operations.
The first phase, with a budget of $400 million, will focus on the southwest corner of the United Center complex. Key elements include:
6,000-Seat Music Hall: Featuring sweeping rooflines, perimeter retail spaces, and a rooftop park connected to a network of green spaces totaling 5.3 acres.
Mixed-Use Building: Built over existing receiving docks, this structure will include:
Three ground-floor commercial spaces.
A broadcast center and offices.
Parking on the second floor, which could be converted into retail space in the future.
A rooftop park with sports courts, seating areas, and recreational spaces.
Boutique Hotel Tower: This building will feature:
Ground-floor retail and a lobby.
Parking on the second and third floors.
A rooftop restaurant, fitness center, and park.
A 130-foot-tall tower housing 233 hotel rooms, meeting spaces, and a rooftop bar.
Public Plaza: A large plaza will connect the United Center to W. Adams Street, creating an inviting public space.
Subsequent phases will expand the project across the remaining parking lots, with significant additions including:
Residential Units: A total of 9,463 units, with 20% designated as affordable housing.
Office and Retail Space: 660,000 square feet of office space and 670,000 square feet of retail.
Hotel Rooms: An additional 1,309 hotel rooms, including those from Phase One.
Green Space: 25 acres of interconnected parks, rooftop gardens, and public plazas.
Pink Line Station: Potentially adding a new CTA Pink Line station to improve transit connectivity.
Parking: 5,800 parking spaces, reduced from the current 6,500, reflecting increased focus on public transit and walkability.
The project’s design emphasizes integration with the surrounding neighborhoods through two main zones:
Inner Ring: Focused on transforming the parking lots into a pedestrian-friendly environment with vibrant public spaces.
Outer Ring: Designed to connect seamlessly with adjacent residential and commercial areas.
Chicago Yimby reports that the buildings on the project’s eastern end will be the tallest, reaching up to 660 feet, to align with the Fulton Market skyline. Structures will taper toward the north and west to complement the lower-rise surroundings.
The 1901 Project aims to create a year-round destination for residents and visitors by offering:
Public Amenities: Green spaces, athletic courts, and public plazas open to everyone.
Economic Opportunities:
32,000 construction jobs over the project’s lifetime, including 2,000 jobs in Phase One.
7,000 permanent jobs upon completion.
Affordable Housing: The commitment to affordable units exceeds initial proposals and includes exploring options like student housing for nearby Malcolm X College.
Transit Enhancements: Improved bus shelters, bike lanes, and potential Pink Line expansion to better connect the area.
Some community groups have expressed concerns about the project’s timeline and the availability of affordable housing, particularly during the earlier phases. The developers are working to address these issues through discussions with local organizations and adjustments to the master plan.
The 1901 Project represents one of the largest and most ambitious redevelopments in Chicago’s history. By combining innovative design, community-focused amenities, and substantial economic investment, it promises to transform the United Center area into a vibrant, sustainable neighborhood. As the project progresses, it has the potential to become a model for urban redevelopment, showcasing how public and private partnerships can create lasting benefits for cities and their residents.
See DataBid blog titled: $7 Billion Development to Reshape Chicago's West Side
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 1901 Project Mixed Use Redevelopment United Center West Side - Chicago (0018072924)