The owners of the United Center arena have detailed a $7 billion USD redevelopment plan for the area surrounding the structure, seeking city approval for nearly 9,500 apartments, over 1,300 hotel rooms, and a residential high-rise. This proposal, named the 1901 Project, was first announced in July 2024 and will bring 14 million square feet (1.3 million square meters) of new development to Chicago’s Near West Side over the next decade.
A zoning application specifies that 1,893 of the proposed 9,463 apartments will be affordable, meeting the city’s housing ordinance requirements. The residential unit count is significantly higher than the 5,000-6,000 initially proposed, though the final number may change based on market conditions. The plan also includes more than 25 acres (10.1 hectares) of public open space.
The project envisions 1,309 hotel rooms, with 150-180 of them built in the first phase, alongside a 6,000-seat music hall, retail spaces, parking structures, and a 2.5-acre (1 hectare) elevated park. This phase will include nearly 11 acres (4.5 hectares) of public open space.
Part of the plan includes the potential for a high-rise of up to 660 feet (201 meters), surpassing other residential towers in the immediate area. Conversations have already begun with the Chicago Transit Authority regarding a new Pink Line station to serve the development, further making it attractive with increased connectivity to public transportation.
The Reinsdorf and Wirtz families who are championing the project and are owners of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, have been acquiring land near the United Center over the years. They have stated they are not seeking public financial support for the project, though public funds may be used for infrastructure improvements, including transit and park space.
Learn more about this story at Crain’s Chicago Business