The Chicago Blackhawks will begin construction next year on a 125k SF state-of-the-art practice facility near the United Center. Mayor Rahm Emanuel was on hand last Thursday to announce the project, which will be on the site currently occupied by Malcolm X College at 1900 W Van Buren. Malcolm X's operations are moving into a new facility across the street in January, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The project is expected to take two years to complete. The new practice facility will include two ice rinks, one of them serving as a community ice center that'll be capable of supporting the defending Stanley Cup champs' youth hockey programs. The Blackhawks will spend $50M on the project. Although the practice facility plan has been in the works for months, Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz was reluctant to move forward unless he received assurances the city would not raise the current amusement tax rate past its current 12%. The old Malcolm X site will also be home to an expansion of Rush University Medical Center's academic facilities to address future needs and strengthen the two's relationship, which includes career opportunities and faculty development. (CST)