US$7bn construction project planned for Chicago’s United Center
24 July 2024
The area around Chicago’s United Center – an arena that’s home to championship teams in the US’ National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Hockey League (NHL) – may look a lot different next decade after the stadium’s ownership group announced a US$7-billion mixed-use project to construct new housing, lodging, entertainment venues and parking structures.
Render of the proposed development around Chicago’s United Center arena shows an outdoor skating rink surrounded by mixed-use building. (Image: 1901 Project)
Called the 1901 Project, financing is coming entirely from private investment, the scheme’s website said.
“Spearheaded by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families, The 1901 Project will transform the West Side with a jolt of new development, bridging neighbourhoods and enhancing opportunities for residents, businesses and all of Chicago,” said 1901 Project.
The Reinsdorfs and Wirtzs are co-owners of the United Center and the two professional sports teams that play there: the Chicago Bulls (NBA) and Chicago Blackhawks (NHL). The United Center also hosts large concerts and conventions; the US Democratic National Convention will be held there in August.
Work would take place over 55 acres (22 hectares), and initial designs include green and open spaces like sporting fields, outdoor pavilions and gardens.
Contractor information was not available.
The plan still needs city approval, but if greenlit, construction would start next spring and run for about ten years, creating ‘thousands’ of construction jobs.
