27th WARD NEWSLETTER #1

“Every great project begins with someone’s imagination.”

Those words mean something personal to me. I grew up across the street from the United Center, looking at land that hadn’t yet become what we see today. As a young man, I could only imagine what might one day be built there, and what it could mean for the West Side. Years later, standing on that same land as Alderman and helping break ground on The 1901 Project is a full circle moment I won’t forget.

This project represents something great for the Near West Side. It brings investment, jobs, opportunity, new spaces, and a belief that our community deserves to be part of the future being built around us. It’s also a canvas, one being painted by leaders, workers, residents, and visionaries today so the next generation can inherit something even greater tomorrow.

I think about the young people who’ll grow up seeing this project take shape. I think about the child walking past this development who may discover a new passion, see a career path they hadn’t considered, or start dreaming bigger because something bold was built in their own neighborhood. That’s how imagination works. Somebody sees possibility before everyone else can see it clearly, and one day, that possibility becomes real.

We also have to recognize Jerry Lewis, who was a true pioneer for this project. Jerry gave so much of his life making sure people from this community weren’t only represented in conversations about development, but positioned to share in the rewards that development can bring. He understood that progress has to include the people who’ve carried this community, raised families here, built businesses here, worked here, prayed here, and believed in this neighborhood long before others saw its value.

The 1901 Project is a major step forward, and it comes with responsibility. As this work continues, I’ll remain committed to making sure the benefits reach the people of the Near West Side and surrounding communities. Our young people deserve to see opportunity close to home. Our residents deserve transparency, inclusion, and access. Our community deserves to grow while holding onto the spirit and history that made it strong.

I’m grateful to everyone who helped bring this moment to life, and to every resident, partner, and community leader who continues to believe in the future of the West Side. What we’re building here is bigger than any one project. It’s a promise to the next generation that their dreams belong here, too.

Sincerely,

Alderman Walter Redmond Burnett

27th Ward

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