Renderings: New project looks to transform United Center, West Side
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Rendering of the proposed 1901 Project surrounding the United Center. Renderings: Courtesy of United Center
The Bulls and Blackhawks owners are proposing a massive renovation of the West Side neighborhood surrounding the United Center.
The big picture: The 1901 Project is a 55-acre sprawling megadevelopment that would transform the United Center area, adding a new 6,000-seat music venue, a hotel, retail, apartments and green space.
- The site would comprise United Center parking lots and other nearby property the duo already owns.
Context: The $7 billion project is being floated by the two owners of the United Center, Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf and Chicago Blackhawks chairman Danny Wirtz.
- They are not requesting public financing but would ask the city and state to pony up for infrastructure improvements to the area.
Driving the news: The development could start its first phase early next year if the City Council approves the plan.
The intrigue: In recent years, the two families have been buying up property around the stadium, with hints of turning the United Center into more of a stadium district.
- But this 14 million-square-foot plan goes above and beyond sports bars and pro shops.
Zoom out: The megadevelopment is close in size to the others currently under construction, including Lincoln Yards and The 78, which could be home to a new White Sox stadium.
What they're saying: "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 in a press release.
- "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."
Reality check: The United Center owners believe this will generate tax revenue and economic growth on the West Side.
- They estimate this project will bring 12,000 permanent jobs to the area.
Yes, but: West Side residents have heard this before. The predominantly Black neighborhood fought against the United Center when it was built 30 years ago.
- In the next decade, the nearby Henry Horner public housing complex was demolished, leading to a dramatic shift in the neighborhood, displacing poorer residents.
- Now, gentrification from the neighboring West Loop neighborhood is pricing residents out.
