Walkability, Transit Access, and the Future of the United Center Redevelopment

Introduction

Chicago is on the verge of one of its most significant redevelopment efforts with the 1901 Project, a $7 billion mixed-use transformation of the United Center Area. Spearheaded by Michael Reinsdorf and Danny Wirtz, this ambitious plan will bring:

• 9,500 new apartments, 20% designated as affordable housing
• 1,300 hotel rooms
• Retail, entertainment, and public spaces
• A 6,000-seat music venue

This scale of development has the potential to reshape the Near West Side, but there’s one critical factor missing from the proposal: A transit-oriented design that enhances walkability.

Currently, the United Center is one of the least walkable major destinations in the city. Unlike Wrigley Field, which has direct CTA access, this site relies on buses, cars, and rideshare services—leading to congestion, poor accessibility, and lower real estate values.

If Chicago truly wants to maximize the impact of the 1901 Project, it must integrate a new CTA Pink Line station at Madison Street. Walkability and transit access are two of the most valuable real estate drivers, and their absence could limit the project’s long-term success.

1. How Walkability Drives Real Estate Value

Walkability isn’t just about convenience—it directly impacts property values, rental demand, and commercial success.

• Studies have shown that properties in highly walkable areas command premiums of 30-50% compared to car-dependent locations.
• Walkable areas see higher retail sales, better foot traffic, and stronger tenant demand.
• New developments that integrate transit and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure attract long-term investment and economic growth.

By contrast, areas that lack walkability struggle to support retail, attract long-term residents, or sustain public spaces.

What Walkability Means for the 1901 Project

Right now, the United Center area is not pedestrian-friendly. The closest train station is the CTA Green Line at Ashland, nearly a 20-minute walk from the site.

Without a new CTA station:

• Residents in the 9,500 planned apartments will rely on cars, limiting affordability and convenience.
• Retail and restaurants will struggle due to a lack of consistent foot traffic.
• Hotels and event spaces will depend heavily on rideshare services, adding congestion.

A Pink Line station at Madison Street would dramatically improve the area’s walkability, making it more attractive for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Credit: Provided by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development2. The Long-Term Value of a Train Station for the Neighborhood

A CTA station isn’t just an amenity—it’s an economic engine that will drive property values and attract new businesses.

Transit Stations Increase Property Values

Historically, developments near new transit stations have seen rapid appreciation in property values.

• When the Morgan Street CTA station opened in 2012, it fueled the Fulton Market boom, leading to billions of dollars in real estate investment.
• Areas with direct CTA access have seen up to 40% higher rent growth and sales prices than non-transit-oriented developments.
• In other cities like Washington D.C. and New York, new transit hubs have transformed underutilized neighborhoods into thriving commercial districts.

Transit Creates a True Live-Work-Play Environment

If the 1901 Project wants to create a sustainable, high-density, mixed-use community, it needs reliable, walkable transit options. A train station would:

• Increase the desirability of apartments and hotels.
• Make office and retail spaces more attractive for tenants.
• Support entertainment venues by reducing reliance on event-day traffic.

3. Walkability and Public Transit Reduce Long-Term Congestion

One of the biggest concerns about the 1901 Project is that it will add thousands of new residents, workers, and visitors to an area already prone to traffic congestion.

Without a walkable, transit-friendly design, the project risks:

• Increased reliance on cars, raising parking demand and traffic congestion.
• A poor retail and entertainment experience, where visitors struggle to access restaurants and shops.
• Missed economic potential, as businesses opt for better-connected locations elsewhere in Chicago.

A transit hub integrated with the development ensures that residents, workers, and visitors have reliable, affordable, and walkable transportation options.

4. Funding and Next Steps

Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. has supported the idea of a new Pink Line station at Madison Street, but securing funding will require a coordinated effort.

Possible Funding Sources

• Tax Increment Financing (TIF): Using public funds to support transit infrastructure.
• Private Developer Contributions: Reinsdorf and Wirtz could contribute toward station construction in exchange for density bonuses.
• Federal Transit Grants: Programs supporting transit-oriented development.

The success of the 1901 Project depends on getting this right. If Chicago wants to build a vibrant, walkable, and economically successful neighborhood, transit must be a priority.

Final Thoughts: Walkability is the Key to a Successful Redevelopment

The United Center redevelopment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, but without a walkable, transit-friendly design, it may fail to reach its full potential.

A new Pink Line station would:
✅ Increase real estate values and investment potential.
✅ Make the 1901 Project a true live-work-play community.
✅ Reduce congestion and improve the overall visitor experience.

Cities that prioritize walkability thrive. Chicago has a chance to get this right—now it needs to act.