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Reinsdorfs, Wirtzes unveil look at $7B Near West Side makeover

Surroundings of United Center to undergo $400M facelift in initial phase of 1901 Project

<p>A photo illustration of Michael Reinsdorf and Wirtz Corporation&#8217;s Danny Wirtz along with renderings of the 1901 Project in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago (Getty, Wirtz Corporation, Chicago Department of Planning and Development)</p>

A photo illustration of Michael Reinsdorf and Wirtz Corporation’s Danny Wirtz along with renderings of the 1901 Project in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago (Getty, Wirtz Corporation, Chicago Department of Planning and Development)

Michael Reinsdorf and Danny Wirtz have drawn up their first play in a $7 billion makeover of the neighborhood that surrounds their jointly owned United Center.

The second generations of the families that have long owned Chicago’s NBA and NHL teams are spearheading the so-called 1901 Project to remake the arena’s surroundings, and released details on a $400 million first phase of the proposal to be reviewed by the city’s Plan Commission this week, Crain’s reported.

The proposal aims to reshape the Near West Side over the next two decades. Commission approval is a critical step toward the City Council’s final green light.

The first phase, set to begin this spring, includes a 6,000-seat music hall adjacent to the arena’s southwest corner, slated for completion by 2028. Two parking garages are also included in the plans: one west of the arena featuring a 2.5-acre rooftop park and retail space, and another to the south that will also host a 233-room hotel, a jump from the 150 rooms initially pitched.

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Future phases will introduce residential and retail spaces north of the arena between Madison Street and Washington Boulevard, expected to be completed by 2031. Plans for the east side include commercial and residential developments linked to a proposed new CTA Pink Line station near Monroe Street, anticipated by 2034. By 2037, a high-rise residential tower and other buildings northeast of the arena are planned, followed by smaller developments west of Damen Avenue by 2040.

The project envisions up to just under 9,50 residential units, more than 1,300 hotel rooms, commercial spaces, and extensive open areas. The city has extended the Central West tax-increment financing district to fund the proposed CTA station, emphasizing public transit integration.

The Plan Commission meeting revealed updated renderings, and the project has so far received strong backing from city officials.

— Sam Lounsberry

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