The owners behind the United Center announced on Tuesday that the parking lots and area surrounding the United Center will be replaced by a $7 billion mixed-use district — a price tag they say would make it the largest private investment in the West Side. Dubbed The 1901 Project, if approved, the estimated 10-year development would transform the West Side with green space, mixed-income housing, a music hall and more. Construction will take place in seven phases with the first phase estimated to start as early as next year.
“We think that this project is going to send a powerful, positive message to the world, and it’s going to showcase how Chicago and Illinois continue to set new standards in partnership, architecture, community commitment, growth — all on the heels of what we know is going to be a successful [Democratic National] convention,” United Center CEO Terry Savarise said. The master plan comes after five years of planning, according to Savarise. First, under the guidance of White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and the late Blackhawks Chairman , who died in July 2023.
Reinsdorf, co-chair of the United Center Joint Venture, said in a news release that he and Wirtz shared a commitment to Chicago “and understood our responsibility to give back through our charity arms and by seeking out economic opportunities for our neighbors who live and work in and around the United Center.” “It is fitting that we announce this project today as we also remember Rocky Wi.