 |
ALL PHOTOS BY ROBERT MCKENDRICK
|
Michael Jordan last played for the Chicago Bulls in 1998, but he remains a fixture at the United Center.
His statue is the focal point in a new public atrium that is part of a 190,000-square-foot, five-story development that opened earlier this month. It’s part of a new east-side addition to the United Center that also includes new headquarters for the Bulls, Blackhawks and United Center as well as a new box office. The new space will house some 300 employees, and plans call for restaurants and a 10,000-square-foot team store with Bulls and Blackhawks merchandise. The atrium is open to the public daily.
HOK was the lead architect on the privately funded project, part of a neighborhood redevelopment effort that includes the Bulls’ practice facility, which opened last year. The Blackhawks will open a new practice site and community ice center near the arena in 2018.
United Center and Levy Restaurants employees occupy the second floor, with the Bulls on the third floor, and the Blackhawks on the fourth floor. The second floor also features a work café and fitness center for arena employees.
A bridge connects the office space to the United Center and brings an open, modern look to the teams’ headquarters, which formerly were housed in the arena.
 |
Michael Jordan’s statue soars inside the atrium.
|
 |
Blackhawks’ “championship wall” and break room (below).
|
 |
Blackhawks conference room
|
 |
Bulls break room
|
 |
Bulls “basketball wall.”
|
 |
Shared exercise space
|
 |
A bridge across the atrium connects the arena with the new office space.
|
 |
A smaller version of the Jordan statue in the Bulls’ offices
|
 |
Blackhawks meeting room has a city view.
|
 |
Cafe for arena employees.
|
 |
Hallway makes reference to Bulls’ championship years.
|
