The 1901 Project - United Center Campus - RIOS (2024)

The 1901 Project Master Plan Aerial View Designed by RIOS (Rendering by Studio Ladder)

Reimagining the United Center Campus to Reconnect Chicago's West Side

The future vision for the United Center is an ambitious and energizing community-first mixed-use project designed by RIOS in collaboration with the United Center Joint Venture group. Called The 1901 Project, the project encompasses more than 13 million sq. ft. that will restitch the surrounding neighborhoods and provide a world-class urban core for Chicago’s West Side—representing a visionary approach to urban planning poised to become a model for metropolises worldwide.

Project Overview (Rendering by Proloog and RIOS)

About the United Center

The United Center is a premier 960,000 sq. ft. multi-use entertainment facility that has attracted over 70 million fans since its opening in 1994. Home to the six-time World Champion Chicago Bulls and the six-time Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks, the United Center hosts over 200 events annually, ranking as the second busiest arena in the United States and the third busiest in the world.

“Our goal with The 1901 Project master plan is to provide an urban canvas, rich with public spaces and diverse program, for the legacy of the existing neighborhood to write its own new chapter.”

— Richard Peterson, Senior Project Director, Architect, RIOS

The Neighborhood Today (Photo by Bill Smith)

The Neighborhood Tomorrow (Rendering by Studio Ladder)

“Our vision aims to create a vibrant, human-centered neighborhood for everyone, celebrating Chicago's rich heritage of public spaces and ambitious infrastructure.”

The 1901 Master Plan

The 1901 Project, a long-term, multi-phased development, is part of the United Center owners’ transformative $7 billion private investment on Chicago’s West Side. This mixed-use development will feature housing, commercial office space, a hotel, retail, and entertainment, anchored by lively public open space. The project aspires to be an emblem of urban charisma and cultural richness, captivating sports fans and serving as a community resource. With its diverse public spaces, entertainment options, and mixed-use programming, the neighborhood will be activated year-round as a destination to live, work, and play.

North Plaza (Rendering by Proloog)

“The 1901 Project Master Plan connects local heritage with a global perspective by creating a neighborhood founded on notions of what’s authentically Chicago.”

An Interconnected Neighborhood

The 1901 Project prioritizes pedestrian activity by emphasizing walkability and creating diverse open spaces to enhance the well-being and sustainability of Chicago. The design infuses the city’s rich history of industrial innovation, featuring a future park with walking paths, recreational areas, and community gathering spaces. RIOS’ masterplan vision for the park, designed by Field Operations, aims to establish new green space that connects the community to nature and celebrates the West Side.

Public Park Designed by Field Operations (Rendering by Studio Ladder)

Monroe Street Pink Line Stop (Rendering by Proloog)

Madison Street Facing East (Rendering by Proloog)

“Our collaboration with the United Center Joint Venture group reveals an ambitious vision for The 1901 Project that will transform the West Side of Chicago into a world-class example of urban revitalization.”

Project Collaborators

The 1901 Project in the News