US$7bn construction project planned for Chicago’s United Center

Mitchell Keller Deputy Editor, International Construction

24 July 2024

The area around Chicago’s United Center – home to championship teams in the US’ National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Hockey League (NHL) – may look a lot different in the 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 United Center project (Image: 1901 Project) The 1901 Project Master Plan designed by RIOS (Rendering/Proloogg.) 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.

RIOS is the Phase one architect for the United Center. 

Introducing The 1901 Project... from United Center on Vimeo.

North America United States of America Funding & Development loans Projects General Housing Sports venue Construction
STAY CONNECTED

Receive the information you need when you need it through our world-leading magazines, newsletters and daily briefings.

Sign up

CONNECT WITH THE TEAM
Andy Brown Editor, Editorial, UK - Wadhurst Tel: +44 (0) 1892 786224 E-mail: [email protected]
Neil Gerrard Senior Editor, Editorial, UK - Wadhurst Tel: +44 (0) 7355 092 771 E-mail: [email protected]
Catrin Jones Deputy Editor, Editorial, UK – Wadhurst Tel: +44 (0) 791 2298 133 E-mail: [email protected]
Eleanor Shefford Brand Manager Tel: +44 (0) 1892 786 236 E-mail: [email protected]