United Center Joint Venture
The 1901 Project will transform 55 acres around Chicago’s United Center into one of the city’s most dynamic new neighborhoods. HR&A collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to support the United Center Joint Venture—the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks—in refining the master plan for this mixed-use district, providing market analysis, strategic real estate guidance, and economic impact projections that positioned the development to deliver a transformative entertainment destination and unlock significant economic opportunity.
HR&A conducted comprehensive market analysis examining local and regional real estate context across multiple use types, while studying national examples of similar mixed-use sports and entertainment districts. This analysis enabled us to develop market-informed scenarios that account for the unique energy arena-oriented entertainment districts generate. We facilitated strategic workshops with Bulls and Blackhawks ownership groups to align the development vision with each organization’s goals for creating vibrant year-round activity beyond gameday experiences.
In the second phase, HR&A developed a comprehensive economic and community benefits case that positioned the UCJV to communicate project value to diverse audiences while demonstrating how neighboring communities will benefit from construction and operations. The economic benefits analysis supported negotiations for public investment in a new mass transit stop on site, creating one of Chicago’s best-connected, transit-oriented communities. We also provided ongoing financial feasibility advisory services, helping UCJV develop a financial model that accurately assesses development feasibility and establishes an appropriate phasing strategy for this transformational mixed-use district.
- United Center owners detail apartments, hotel vision for 1901 Project — Crain's Chicago Business
- United Center owners plan $7 billion Near West Side campus — Crain's Chicago Business
