Construction of Bally’s new casino in Chicago moved forward Tuesday with a demolition event, dubbed Vision to Reality, at the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center. The event celebrated a major construction milestone for Bally’s Chicago Casino.
“The future begins today as we bring our vision for Chicago’s first and only casino one step closer to reality,” said Bally’s Corporation Chairman Soo Kim in a statement. “With demolition now underway, we celebrate this milestone, embark on the revitalization of this glorious riverfront location, and eagerly anticipate the casino and entertainment resort that will soon rise up on this spot.”
The demolition project is slated to take five months to complete. When Bally’s Chicago Casino opens, it’s expected to host a 500-room hotel tower, a 3,000-seat theater, six restaurants, cafes and a food hall, and a two-acre public park. The casino will host approximately 3,400 slots, 170 table games, and VIP gaming areas. A lower riverbank will be connected to the property with an approximately 2,000-foot-long extension of the riverwalk extending south from W. Chicago Avenue.
“The City of Chicago joins Bally’s in celebrating this historic day,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This $1.7 billion casino and entertainment development is one of the largest economic investments in Chicago. For many years to come, this project will have an incredible impact on our city as a job creator, hospitality destination and revenue generator. Investments like this continue to show that Chicago is open for business.”
The casino development is expected to create 3,000 construction jobs and 3,000 casino jobs once Bally’s Chicago Casino becomes operational.
“Today is a great day for the 27th Ward and all of Chicago,” said Chicago Vice Mayor and Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. “Bally’s will be a game-changing provider of both high-quality jobs and world-class fun. Just as they have been at the temporary casino, I know Bally’s will be great partners once they move into my ward.”
Facts about the demolition phase of the project:
- Five demolition permits are needed for the two structures on the site: the Tribune building and U-Haul, which has already been demolished.
- Crews will work daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in compliance with a Chicago noise ordinance.
- No explosives or wrecking balls will be used.
- A dust-mitigation plan was approved by the Chicago Department of Public Health.
- Trucks will primarily use the Grand Avenue entrance to access the site.
“River West is no stranger to repurposing and repositioning industrial properties to active mixed-use developments,” said Neighbors of River West and Casino Community Advisory Council President Emeritus John Bosca. “Bally’s has done everything they said they’d do.”
Bally’s Chicago Casino is operating at the temporary casino location at Medinah Temple in River North until the permanent location in River West is operational in fall 2026. Since the opening of the temporary 11 months ago, the casino has welcomed more than 1.14 million visitors.
Rege Behe is lead contributor to CDC Gaming. He can be reached at rbehe@cdcgaming.com. Please follow @RegeBehe_exPTR on Twitter.
