CHICAGO (CBS) — Demolition work began on Tuesday at the Bally Casino site in Chicago’s River West district.
The new $1.7 billion casino and hotel complex will be built on the site of the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center printing plant at Halsted Street and Chicago Avenue.
Demolition of the Freedom Center complex began Tuesday morning.
In July, Bally’s announced that it was $940 million deal with Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc.a real estate investment fund, for the basic financing of its casino.
The future casino will include a 500-room hotel tower, a 3,000-seat theater and six restaurants.
“We are really excited to build something here that fits with Chicago as a whole. Of course, River West fits with River North and Fulton Market. I think what we have planned for you is just fantastic and will make everyone proud,” said Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim.
Once completed, the project is expected to create 3,000 construction jobs in Chicago and 3,000 permanent jobs at the casino.
For city councilor Walter Burnett (27th), in whose district the casino site is located, it is important to involve people in the project. He described the project as “personal.”
“If my people don’t have food, nobody has food. So if the people of Cabrini Green don’t start working on this site, there will be no further development in the 27th District until I’m satisfied,” he said.
Bally officials plan to open the permanent location in fall 2026.
