Bally’s Gets Approvals for Its Chicago Casino Resort

Bally’s Corporation, one of the leaders of the US casino industry, informed that the Chicago Department of Planning and Urban Development approved the company’s plans for construction of the entertainment complex in the City. The $1.7 billion development will commence in 2024 and is expected to provide 3,000 jobs to the community.

Casino Development:

Also, the casino giant’s vertical, Bally’s Chicago, released an update of the casino development in the River North area. The company has recently announced that the property will feature a 500-room hotel, a 3,000-seat event center, 4,000 gaming positions, VIP areas, and an exhibition hall, as well as an outdoor park for the community.

Bally’s Senior Vice President of Design and Development, Joyen Vakil, reportedly said:  “Inspired by the city’s interplay—grit and grandeur, structure and the organic, historically-charged and cutting-edge—the design of Bally’s Chicago creates a sense of wonder and adventure accessible to everyone. The plan is uniquely focused on bringing in nature and wellness through the addition of numerous public plazas and parks.”

Chicago-Based Contractors:

Bally’s has also specified the contractors to conduct the development of the venue, which shall reflect the urban spirit and the original design. At the same time, a wide range of amenities will include outdoor dining facilities and public art areas to merge luxury and art into a unique urban experience to be brought by mostly Chicago-based and minority-owned contractors under the ownership of Bally’s Corporation and minority-ownership of the Community Investment Programs.

The companies and businesses hired for the development include SCB, V3 companies, and Gensler which are responsible for the Master plan, Gensler is responsible for design and architecture, SOSH Architects will take care of the casino interior design, together with associated local architects, and more. Civil engineering and site infrastructure have been entrusted to V3 Companies, while Magnusson Klemencic Associates and Milhouse Engineering will perform structural engineering. General contractor is the Chicago Community Builders Collective.

Urban Spirit:

Vakil said: “We are confident that this team will bring to life this one-of-a-kind urban space,” said Vakil. “The unique and exciting design celebrates Chicago’s motto, urbs in horto – city in a garden – and creates a dynamic public realm on site.” The design had undergone some changes which were called ”a better product” by Department of Planning Commissioner Maurice Cox, Chicago Sun Times reported.

The development also anticipates large green areas which will be combined with urban features, but the property will keep the recognizable  hotel tower form, as well as a luminous facade. Its glitter on the surface of the Chicago river in a summer night may represent a million-dollar view and the promising invitation to visit the casino and try to get the million-dollar view on the gaming screens soon to be available in the resort.