Chicago Construction News staff writer
Bally’s Chicago Casino hosted a ‘Vision to Reality’ Demolition Event at the former Tribune Freedom Center to mark a major construction milestone.
“The future begins today as we bring our vision for Chicago’s first and only casino one step closer to reality,” said Soo Kim, Chairman of Bally’s Corporation. “With demolition now underway, we celebrate this milestone, embark on the revitalization of this glorious riverfront location, and eagerly anticipate the world-class casino and entertainment resort that will soon rise up on this spot.”The project
Bally’s Chicago Casino will include a 500-room hotel tower, 3,000-seat theater, six restaurants, cafes and a food hall, and a 2-acre public park. The casino will offer space for approximately 3,400 slots, 170 table games and VIP gaming areas. The 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 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.”
The casino development will create 3,000 construction jobs and 3,000 casino jobs. Bally’s Chicago Casino has worked with the Chicago Community Builders Collective, a minority led construction partnership, and Brandenburg Industrial Service Company, the project’s demolition contractor, to prepare the site for demolition.
Here are a few facts about the demolition phase of the project:
Five demolition permits are needed for the two structures on the property (Tribune building and U-Haul, which has already been demolished).
- Demolition is projected to take five months
- Crews will work daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., in compliance with the Chicago Noise Ordinance
- No explosives or wrecking balls will be used
- A dust mitigation plan was approved by the Chicago Department of Public Health
