en.Wedoany.com Reported - The "1901 Project," a 55-acre development surrounding the United Center sports arena in Chicago, officially broke ground on June 3. The project plans to build residential units, retail spaces, entertainment venues, and a public plaza, with a total investment of $7 billion. The entire redevelopment plan is expected to take 15 years.
This large-scale mixed-use development is located in Chicago's West Side and is led by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families, owners of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. The project is named after the street address of the United Center basketball and hockey arena. The first phase involves a $500 million investment, planning to build a 6,000-seat concert hall, a 180-room hotel, retail spaces, two parking garages, and upgraded pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, and roadways.
The general contractor for the first phase is McHugh Construction, with Cullen Construction Management serving as construction manager. RIOS is the master planner, urban designer, experience designer, and concert hall architect. The structural engineer is Magnusson Klemencic Associates, the facade and waterproofing engineer is Thornton Tomasetti, the civil engineer is HBK, the landscape architect is Field Operations, and the traffic engineer is Sam Schwartz.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson stated at the groundbreaking ceremony that this investment will create jobs and housing, attract new businesses, stimulate economic activity, and ensure that the benefits of growth reach the residents and families who call the West Side home. Andrew Totten, Executive Vice President of McHugh Construction, noted that the biggest challenge is the need for close coordination to ensure the safety and access of guests and staff at the nation's second-busiest venue during construction.
Other long-term plans for the project include 9,463 new housing units (20% of which will be affordable housing), as well as commercial office space, green spaces, and underground parking garages. Ciere Boatright, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, stated that the Chicago Transit Authority's Damen Green Line will serve the development, and plans to add a Pink Line station nearby are gradually becoming a reality along Paulina Avenue.
In May, the City of Chicago approved a $55 million tax abatement for the project. Colleen Quinn, a spokesperson for the United Center, said that on-site construction can now proceed freely and without obstacles. According to a statement from the United Center joint venture, the first phase of the project is expected to create 2,000 construction jobs, with the entire project projected to generate 32,000 construction jobs and 7,000 permanent positions.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Walter "Red" Burnett, representing the 27th Ward where the project is located, paid tribute to Jerry Lewis, a contractor who was killed near the United Center on March 24. Lewis was a strong advocate for the 1901 Project and supported the involvement of minority-owned businesses. Burnett stated that Lewis firmly believed in the power of community and that development should create opportunities for those already living there. His vision and values have been integrated into this project, and his spirit will live on through everything we create together here.
Nassie Mason, 28, and Erving Harris, 31, have been charged with murder. The Chicago Police Department has not yet released a motive.
According to the 1901 Project website, the project's participation goals are 30% for minority-owned businesses and 8% for women-owned businesses, with a focus on local construction labor. The redevelopment is expected to proceed in multiple phases and be completed by 2040.
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