1901 Project proposal by United Center owners unanimously approved by Chicago Plan Commission

The $7 billion project to redevelop the area around the United Center could reshape the Near West Side over the next decade

Friday, January 17, 2025
West Side development proposal approved by Chicago Plan Commission
The 1901 Project proposal by the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks owners was unanimously approved by the Plan Commission Thursday.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A $7 billion commercial, residential and entertainment district planned near the United Center easily cleared the first hurdle Thursday.

The Plan Commission unanimously approved the development proposal, which is now on the fast-track to full City Council approval.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The 1901 Project, named for the address of the United Center, was praised Thursday as a development that will transform the West Side, turning parking lots into a flourishing mixed-use campus.

Big changes are coming to the area around the United Center that could make part of the West Side almost unrecognizable in the next 10 years or so.

The first phase would include a 6,000-seat theater-style music venue that could be built by 2028, along with a hotel with 233 rooms.

Both would be built on the parking lot to the south of the United Center.

There will also be a parking garage with an elevated park and playground just west of the UC.

RELATED: United Center owners pitch $7B investment called 1901 Project to revitalize neighborhood

Alderman Walter Burnett serves on the Plan Commission. The project is also in his ward.

"This is a huge project to give people hope that there's life in the city of Chicago; there's life on the West Side, and it's going to drive more development on the West Side, said Burnett, who represents the 27th Ward.

The project, funded by the owners of the Bulls and Blackhawks, will include significant retail development along with open park space. There will also be up to 5,000 residential units, 20 percent of which will be affordable housing.

During the hearing, one downtown hospitality worker expressed frustration that the affordable housing won't be built until later phases of the project.

"I'll probably be retired by the time they get around to building those affordable units. That's too late for me," Kimmie Jordan said.

RELATED: Neighbors concerned over gentrification in 1901 Project proposed by United Center owners

During community meetings over the summer, some people who live around the UC shared concerns over gentrification.

Most others praised it.

"We've seen firsthand the incredible impact that can be made when a community comes together and commits to ensuring bright futures for all of its young people," said Will Edmondson, with the James R. Jordan Boys and Girls Club of Chicago.

Others called the project a huge win for the entire area.

"We're talking about transformational. We're talking about making sure that the community that has lived there for years are going to stay there. But, we're also talking about near, near side communities, as well. They're going to benefit," 36th Ward Ald. Gil Villegas said.

Organizers say the project would create thousands of new jobs.

From here, the project goes to the Zoning Committee and then the full City Council, which could vote on it next month. The developers say they could begin construction this summer.

Architecture critic Lee Bey joined ABC7 to talk about the Griffin Griffin Museum of Science and Industry renovations, the United Center's 1901 Project, and more.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.