A $7bn (£5.74bn/€6.79bn) scheme intended to transform the area around United Center, home of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, has been given the initial green light from the Chicago Plan Commission.
First unveiled in July, The 1901 Project yesterday (Thursday) received unanimous approval from the Commission after plans were presented by United Center officials and developers RIOS. The project will now head to the Zoning Committee and then the full City Council, which could vote on it next month, according to ABC7 Chicago.
Yesterday’s meeting also saw new renderings presented, with phase one of The 1901 Project being discussed. The 1901 Project is a long-term, multi-phased development vision spanning an estimated 10 years.
Phase one includes a 6,000-seat capacity theatre-style music hall, a one-of-a-kind elevated park on the west side of the campus, parking facilities and an improved pedestrian experience, plus a mix of hospitality and retail options aimed at boosting local commerce and creating jobs.
Pending the necessary approvals, the first phase of the project aims to begin this summer on property that is today surface parking lots adjacent to the arena. A completion date of 2028 has been set for phase one.
“The project is not an entertainment district,” said United Center CEO, Terry Savarise, according to NBC 5 Chicago. “It doesn’t come with gates, or admission fees to walk on the campus. The 1901 Project is a neighbourhood. It is one with resources, with energy, with vibrancy and with opportunity.”
The scheme has been touted as the largest private investment on Chicago’s West Side. Spearheaded by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families, respective owners of the Bulls and Blackhawks, The 1901 Project will include housing, retail, entertainment and public open space on more than 55 acres of privately owned land surrounding the arena campus.
The vision presented in July came after five years of planning. The United Center, said to be the second busiest arena in the US, was developed three decades ago with no government funding. Backed by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families, officials have said the same will be true for the new project, with no plans to request city funding or tax increment financing assistance.
