New complex will house Jordan statue
The iconic Michael Jordan statue will soar indoors once a plan is completed to build an office complex on the east side of the United Center.
The project is expected to include offices for Bulls, Blackhawks and United Center employees. The ground floor will include a 10,000 square foot Bulls and Blackhawks retail store.
The United Center box office will also relocate to the new building.
There will be an atrium in the space between the office building and United Center, which is where the Jordan statue sits.
It's not clear if the statue, a popular tourist attraction, will actually change locations or if they'll just build around it.
The area currently used for office space at the United Center will be repurposed for fan amenities yet to be determined.
The project is expected to break ground this spring and be completed in the fall of 2016.
The Bulls moved into a new practice facility in the fall, which sits a block east of the United Center.
The Blackhawks are exploring the idea of building a twin-rink practice facility near the arena, but plans have not been finalized.
During a ceremony to announce plans for the office building, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the city will not extend a United Center tax break set to expire next year.