Full building permit issued for 1901 Project Music Hall

A full building permit has been issued for the new Music Hall, part of the first phase of The 1901 Project, a $7 billion catalytic mixed-use development located around the United Center. Planned by United Center Joint Venture consisting of the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families, the project will redevelop 55 acres of privately owned land surrounding the iconic arena campus.  

Designed by RIOS, in collaboration with Theater Projects and Kirkegaard, the purpose-built live performance venue was designed to create a new type of music experience in Chicago. The Music Hall will accommodate 6,000 guests in a flexible, multi-level configuration. The venue is being built from the ground up specifically for live music - giving the opportunity to shape every element around the relationship between artist, audience and sound. 

The interior renderings illustrate an intimate performance room with three levels of viewing, sweeping sightlines, dramatic lighting and spaces designed to bring guests closer to the stage. The flexibility of the venue will allow the room to retain an intimate character across different configurations. Spacious circulation areas and bars are intended to make movement through the venue easier while keeping guests connected to the performance.

The space’s flexibility also creates a new element to the United Center's event ecosystem: a room capable of welcoming emerging artists, established acts seeking a more intimate environment, special performances and artists whose trajectory may eventually lead to the United Center stage. Programming is envisioned to span genres and generations, from rising artists to established performers, with the venue's scale supporting traditional tour stops as well as one-off performances and multi-night residencies.

Behind the curtain, the project has been designed to provide easy load-ins, top-tier production capabilities and a dynamic artist compound designed around the rhythms of touring. Backstage spaces will offer artists a private environment infused with Chicago character, with the goal of making the hours surrounding a performance as considered as the time spent on stage.

The Music Hall will also have expansive bars, merchandise locations and premium hospitality spaces that will complement the three-level performance room. Outside its doors, the venue will open directly into the larger 1901 Project campus, connecting guests with new open space, restaurants, retail, parking, and hotel. 

With a foundation permit already issued and construction underway, the issuance of the full building permit will allow general contractor McHugh Construction to continue on construction and work through completion. The venue is anticipated to open in 2028.