Bulls Post Photos, Renderings of Planned Development Around United Center

Ahead of planned renovations for the area surrounding the United Center, the Chicago Bulls gave fans a first look at how the new arena will look.

The Bulls posted photos of the first phase of The 1901 Project Chicago on social media on Tuesday. The renovations will begin in spring 2025.

The Bulls also released a video that showcased some of the features from the upcoming overhaul:

The 1901 Project is described as "A transformative $7 billion private investment on Chicago's West Side celebrating Chicago's unique spirit. Spearheaded by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families, The 1901 Project will transform the West Side with a jolt of new development, bridging neighborhoods and enhancing opportunities for residents, businesses and all of Chicago."

Per Brian J. Rogal of the Chicago Tribune, United Center CEO Terry Savarise estimated that the project will take at least a decade to complete. While the plan is for the majority of the funds to come from private investments, certain amenities like a new CTA Pink Line stop would require government investments.

An official proposal from the United Center has yet to be submitted to the local government, but Ciere Boatright, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, said it is in favor of the project.

"There has been no request for financial assistance," she said. "And from a land use perspective, this is an exciting opportunity to reverse decades of parking lot expansion and restore the traditional neighborhood development pattern."

The United Center opened in 1994 and is home to both the Bulls and the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks. The hope is that the 1901 Project turns the surrounding area into a sports-focused district.

"It's going to be a new neighborhood with the United Center as its anchor," Savarise said.