United Center 1901 Project in spotlight



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1901 Chicago project is closer to groundbreaking Image: Project 1901

New renderings have been released highlighting what a stunning $7 billion development around the United Center arena in Chicago could look like in the coming years.

NBC Chicago said the 1901 Project would build a mixed-use area in place of 55-acres of parking lots surrounding the United Center.

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.

Developers from LA based RIOS, along with United Center officials, presented the plan to the Chicago Plan Commissioners, who unanimously voted to push the project through to the Zoning Committee.

1901 Chicago project is closer to groundbreakingImage: Project 1901

As part of that plan, a series of new renderings were unveiled, showing a new music space and a variety of other new features surrounding the 30-year-old arena.

The 10+ year project would transform the area on the Near West Side with more than 9,000 residential units, including 20% affordable housing options, 1,300 hotel rooms, commercial space, and 25 open acres of green space.
 
The first phase of the project aims to begin this summer on property that is today surface parking lots adjacent to the arena. This initial phase, with a target completion date of 2028, 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.

 
The entire project would bring 32,000 construction jobs, officials estimate.

1901 Chicago project is closer to groundbreakingImage: Project 1901

Alderman Walter Burnett, who is the Chair of the Chicago Plan Commission, said, “The West Side is evolving, and it’s changing and it’s our time. Those of us who live in the community are very open to this because we’ve been literally living across the street from parking lots. It will be nice to have homes and businesses.”

United Center CEO Terry Savarise added, “The project is not an entertainment district. It doesn’t come with gates, or admission fees to walk on the campus. The 1901 Project is a neighborhood. It is one with resources, with energy, with vibrancy and with opportunity.”

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.

The project will be privately funded, however they will request public funds from the city for any public improvements such as adding a CTA train stop.

The Zoning Committee will take up the plan in February, and the United Center Joint Venture will then need to secure permits from the city.

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