An additional approval has been granted for Bally’s temporary casino within the Medinah Temple at 600 N Wabash Avenue in River North. In the works since Bally’s won the famed city casino bid last year, the temporary location has been quickly coming together in the last few months while awaiting a summer opening. The renovation of the historical structure is being led by Rhode-Island based Bally’s along with STL Architects and SOSH Architects working on its design.
Interior view of the upcoming Bally’s temporary casino via Terence Crayton and Bally’s
Built in 1912 in a Moorish Revival style for Shriners International, the landmark was most recently a Bloomingdale’s which closed in 2020. Now most of the interior has been demolished to make way for the 45,000-square-foot state of the art gaming center with 750 slot machines and 50 gaming tables spread across the three floors open to the public. The first two levels will contain a majority of the machines and tables along with a small cafe and large central bar at the bottom of an all-floor atrium leading to the top dome.
Interior view of the upcoming Bally’s temporary casino via Terence Crayton and Bally’s
The upper third level will be for high-rollers and VIP’s with 200 slots and 26 of the tables, these will be under the restored dome and be home to two restaurants serving Asian and American cuisines. All of the structure’s original stained glass has been cleaned, preserved and shielded with a new glass railing to protect them from any damage, while the historic stage will now be visible by guests hiding the back of house spaces behind it. Parking for visitors will be spread across three surrounding garages with new exclusive deals.
Interior view of the upcoming Bally’s temporary casino via Terence Crayton and Bally’s
Open to guests 24/7 until Bally’s constructs its $1.7 billion resort in River West, the temporary location hopes to employ 700 people to assist its 3,500 person capacity. A majority of the slot machines and tables are already being installed as dealers have already begun the ongoing multi-week training process. The state approved Bally’s preliminary suitability status which has allowed it to begin planning all of its operations, hoping to receive final gaming license approval soon and open by the end of the summer.
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Can’t wait to see it all.
I am glad The “ Chi “ is getting its only casino
It’s going to be interesting to see how this affects Michigan Avenue. I say it’s got potential to be a huge plus.
I hope they’ll be open to keeping it open after the big one opens. Even at a smaller size. Use it as a place to pick up tourists and ferry them to the big casino. Kind of like having a front door steps off Michigan Avenue. Just reduce it to slots and a bar for the enjoyment of patrons awaiting transport to the big casino.
I say connecting them would be a big plus for both areas.