United Center owners planning massive $7 billion mixed-use campus around the arena

The owners behind the United Center announced on Tuesday that the parking lots and area surrounding the United Center will be replaced by a $7 billion mixed-use district — a price tag they say would make it the largest private investment in the West Side.

Dubbed The 1901 Project, if approved, the estimated 10-year development would transform the West Side with green space, mixed-income housing, a music hall and more. Construction is planned in seven phases, with the first estimated to start as early as next year.

“We think that this project is going to send a powerful, positive message to the world, and it’s going to showcase how Chicago and Illinois continue to set new standards in partnership, architecture, community commitment, growth — all on the heels of what we know is going to be a successful (Democratic National) convention,” United Center Chief Executive Officer Terry Savarise said.

The master plan comes after five years of planning, according to Savarise. First, under the guidance of White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and the late Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz, who died in July 2023.

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