NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIP COMMITMENTS
Overview
United Center Joint Venture and The 1901 Project team jointly announced plans and details for collaborative, inclusive and wide-ranging neighborhood partnership commitments for Chicago’s West Side. The initial commitments will serve as a foundation for fostering collaboration, creating opportunities and delivering a lasting impact on the needs of the neighborhood. The plans are derived from a series of meetings and listening sessions with Alderman Walter Burnett (27th Ward), community groups and neighborhood leaders. The commitments are built on three pillars: economic opportunity, neighborhood safety and belonging, and youth engagement.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & HIRING
Goal of 30% MBE and 8% WBE with emphasis on Local Hiring for Construction
1901 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND
Dedicated Affordable Retail Space, Capital, Mentorship, Long-Term Operational Job Opportunity
1901 HERITAGE FUND
Affordable Housing, Workforce Housing, Student Housing, Subsidies for Home Improvement and Real Estate Taxes for Qualified Residents
IMPROVED STREETSCAPE & WALKABILITY
Enhancing pedestrian experience by creating wider and safer pathways to encourage health, accessibility and walkability
DEDICATED COMMUNITY ROOM IN MUSIC HALL
(Click to View Image)
24/7 SECURITY CENTER
A 24-hour, fully operational security center within the 1901 Project footprint
HENRY HORNER ANNEX ENHANCEMENTS
Targeted improvements that will elevate both the look and function of the site
SPORTS AND WELLNESS PROGRAMMING
Develop and enhance programs to improve outcomes and health for young people on the West Side
PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMMING
Enhance performing arts programs through engagement opportunities for young people to foster a love of performance and the arts
CAREER EXPOSURE & PATHING
Create a cohesive career exposure and job pathing foundation from K-5 through post secondary to increase understanding of sports and wellness careers
For complete Neighborhood Partnership Commitment details, please see below:
TESTIMONIALS – WHAT THE COMMUNITY IS SAYING
Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th Ward): “We are so proud of this project. The United Center worked with the community on this, and there is not one person against it. This is going to have a major impact on the West Side, and we are very excited. The community came up with a CBA themselves. The United Center has a track record of helping businesses. This is a win-win for all.”
Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st Ward): “The music hall is a magnificent piece of work.”
Ald. Monique Scott (24th Ward): “I’d like to thank the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families. This is real investment, and aldermen involved should be proud. This is part of their legacy.”
Tawanda Stange, Henry Horner Annex: “The United Center is committed to the residents already here. Their support for small businesses and the community has been proven time and again.”
Eddie Winters, Homeowners of West Town: “This project will provide stability and economic opportunity. It’s a model for future developments.”
Terry Young, Major Adams Community Committee: “The United Center has always supported us—not just with jobs, but with opportunities. Their vision allowed us to build businesses and create long-term community impact.“
James Anderson, resident: “I support The 1901 Project. My neighbors and I are excited about it—parking lots don’t help the neighborhood in any way.”
COMING SOON – FUND APPLICATIONS
1901 Economic Development Fund and 1901 Heritage Fund applications for qualifying residents will be available at a later date.
INTERESTED IN CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT?
Our partners at Communities Empowered Through Construction are accepting interest applications.