NEAR WEST SIDE — With his Bulls jersey now retired, Derrick Rose is looking to leave his mark on the United Center in a different way: by partnering in the multibillion-dollar redevelopment of the area surrounding the arena.
In an interview on Forbes’ show “The Enterprise Zone,” Rose confirmed he is “working on” the 1901 Project, the $7 billion development of the parking lots and other property around the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.
The Englewood native said he plans to partner with the development team on the second phase of the project, which he hailed in the interview as “building up the West Side of Chicago.”
“It’s probably the biggest project there since the World’s Fair,” Rose said in the interview, which released Jan. 29. “We’ll be working on the project. … We’re hoping to get in on the second phase, but I can’t say too much about that.”
Rose also said he is taking real estate classes on the West Side to learn more about development and related industries.
The 1901 Project officials confirmed Rose is learning about contracting and development through the 1901 Community Implementation Committee classes. The committee is a nonprofit that supports workforce development, community engagement and training associated with the 1901 Project through courses developed to boost local involvement in the massive development.
“We’re thrilled with Derrick’s participation and excitement. His interest and enthusiasm is contagious,” a spokesperson for the 1901 Project said in a statement. “The 1901 Project is built around investing in Chicago’s West Side and bringing economic opportunity to residents and businesses alike. As a Chicago native committed to giving back, Derrick is a perfect fit for our ultimate vision.”
Plans to redevelop parking lots around the United Center would bring nearly 10,000 homes and 1,300 hotel rooms plus other amenities to the Near West Side Credit: Provided
A rendering of the view from the east side of the proposed redeveloped United Center area as part of the 1901 Project. Credit: Provided by the United Center
The first phase of the 1901 Project was approved by the City Council last year, allowing for the construction of a 6,000-seat music hall, 233-room hotel, retail space and two parking garages that will be topped by a park and green spaces.
Other plans for the development call for thousands of new homes and other amenities. Rose said in the interview his involvement would likely be in the second phase. Those plans have yet to be released, a project spokesperson said.
Project officials confirmed that construction of phase one is slated to begin soon. Preliminary plans show phase 2 is estimated to open in 2031. The 1901 Project is joint venture between the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families, who own the Bulls and Blackhawks, respectively, and who jointly own the United Center.
The news of Rose’s involvement came shortly after the Bulls retired his jersey on Jan. 24 following a week of celebrations throughout the city. The Bulls legend, who moved back to Chicago after his retirement in 2024, has been open about his plans after his basketball career.
He recently opened Rose’s Flower Shop, an online flower delivery business, and he is an investor in Freestyle Chess and has appeared alongside chess champions at the venture’s Chesstival tournament in Las Vegas, according to the Tribune.
Rose told “The Enterprise Zone” that his interest in real estate and development was sparked from seeing a lack of such activity in his former neighborhood of Englewood and his desire to spark a change.
“Every time I used to drive through my neighborhood, I used to shed a tear because it still looks the same way,” Rose said on the show. “It made me think, if anything is going to change, it’s going to have to be us changing them.”
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