Bally's Chicago casino celebrates topping out

Bally's Chicago recently celebrated the topping out of its permanent casino at 705 W. Chicago, placing the final structural beam for the $1.7 billion development. The event was attended by Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., Bally's Executive Chairman Soo Kim, union leaders, and members of the Chicago Community Builders Collective (CCBC), alongside trades workers building the project. 

"This is a significant milestone for Bally's Chicago and reflects the incredible effort of the union trades and partners who have made this moment possible," said Soo Kim. "We're proud of the progress to date and excited to move into the next phase as we deliver a one-of-a-kind destination for the people of Chicago."

Designed by HKS Architects, the riverfront casino will include a 500-room hotel tower, 3,000-seat theater, 10 food and beverage venues, and a 2-acre public park. With WATG engaged to lead design of the interiors, the seven-story casino building will offer space for 3,400 slots, 173 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. Multiple floors of parking will be included on top of the building, with a total of 3,300 parking spaces planned to serve the complex. 

With the topping out ceremony celebrated, general contractor partnership Chicago Community Builders Collective (“CCBC”) is working towards the project’s opening which is slated for Spring 2027.