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Bally's Casino Chicago hits a milestone as glass panels transform its hotel tower

A gleaming future takes shape in River West. The halfway-built hotel tower now shines with its first glass panels, signaling Chicago's next iconic destination.

The image shows a large building with glass windows, doors, pillars, railings, lights, boards with...
The image shows a large building with glass windows, doors, pillars, railings, lights, boards with text, and flags on the front of it, all set against a backdrop of the sky. This building is the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Bally's Casino Chicago hits a milestone as glass panels transform its hotel tower

A significant advancement has been made in the construction of Bally's Casino Chicago. The first glass panels have now been installed on the hotel tower, indicating a shift from structural work to the building's sleek exterior. This milestone brings the eagerly anticipated entertainment hub one step closer to reality.

The project is transforming the old Tribune Publishing site in River West into a sprawling casino and leisure complex. Plans include a 34-story hotel with 500 rooms, over 3,000 gaming machines and tables, a 3,000-seat theater, and multiple restaurants. A public park with an extended riverwalk will also be part of the development.

Construction crews have already reached the 15th floor of the hotel tower, putting the project at its halfway point in height. The glass installation signals the transition from structural work to the building's reflective, modern cladding.

Despite earlier setbacks, developers are pushing ahead with a single-phase plan for both the casino and hotel. They remain on track for a late 2026 completion. Meanwhile, Bally's continues to operate from its temporary Medinah Temple location, which has become one of Illinois' busiest gaming spots since opening in 2023.

Legislative discussions about extending the temporary site's operation are ongoing. However, the focus remains on finishing the permanent complex as scheduled.

The glass panel installation marks a crucial moment in the project's progress. With the hotel tower now halfway built, the casino and entertainment district are steadily taking shape. Completion is still expected by the end of 2026, bringing a major new destination to Chicago's River West area.

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