The Chicago City Council approved a $7 billion plan that would allow the owners of the Bulls and Blackhawks to transform the area surrounding the United Center.

Project's first phase will bring a 6,000-seat music hall, 233-room hotel, retail space and two parking garages to the Near West Side. Construction will start this spring.

We set out to do something with no existing blueprint,” Blackhawks chairman Danny Wirtz said. "Our commitment is to create spaces that empower all generations, fostering a thriving community that enhances the cultural and economic fabric of the West Side.

The owners of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and NHL’s Blackhawks got the go-ahead to transform the area surrounding the United Center on Wednesday when the Chicago City Council approved a $7 billion plan to replace the parking lots with green space,