An army of foundation equipment continues drilling and filling caissons for the new Bally’s Chicago Casino in River West. It has been one month since the permit was issued on March 14 to get started on the site, and Stalworth Underground, whose machinery had been moved into place once demolition of the Chicago Tribune Freedom Center was complete, started caisson efforts immediately.
Lowering a rebar cage into a freshly-drilled caisson. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Lowering the rebar into the caisson. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
One of a few very wide caissons at the site. Photo by Daniel Schell
The Chicago Community Builders Collective, a joint venture of contractors that includes Gilbane Building Company, Brown & Momen Inc., d’Escoto Inc., Milhouse, Powers & Sons Construction, SQN Associations, Ujamaa Construction Inc., and Riteway-Huggins Construction Inc., is the general contractor.
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
The first concrete truck delivers to the newest caisson. Photo by Daniel Schell
Pouring concrete. Photo by Daniel Schell
A third truck backs up to the pour. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Caisson work is expected to take about two months to complete, putting progress at the estimated halfway point. Per an email update from the 42nd Ward, there are 356 caissons and 202 steel piles slated for the site. A pair of permits pending in the Chicago Data Portal, one for grade beams and the core substructure, and the second for the superstructure through the top of the 36-story hotel, should be the next approvals to come through from the city. The tower crane permit is also pending as of April 9th.
The view from Chicago Avenue. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
From the east side of the Chicago River on Chicago Avenue. Photo by Daniel Schell
A small portion of the Freedom Center wall remains at the north end of the site, along the river
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Sunday, April 6, a rare day off at the construction site. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Bally’s still plans to have the casino open in 2026. To get to the finish line in time, demolition crews worked seven days a week to tear down the Freedom Center. A visit to view caisson work on Sunday April 6 showed an idle construction site, but caisson crews were hard at it on Saturday the 12th. According to the alderman’s newsletter, they’re working from 8:00 in the morning until 8:00 in the evening, but will continue later into the night if needed to complete a caisson pour. Caissons need to be filled in one step, so as to complete one solid column of concrete. Crews won’t stop midway through a pour, regardless of the hour.
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Your reporting and high quality photos are the some of the best in Chicago. The in-depth photos and project information tell a complete story of what is happening with a project. I have been able to use your publication to increase my business leads. Thank you for one fine publication.
Really appreciate the important updates on this project. The photos are big time! This project site is key to Chicago’s future. I appreciate the zeal of the workers and companies to get this project completed on time.
Build it.
Looks like Ballys is working hard to hit target date. Hopefully CDOT will work just as hard to complete Chicago Bridge and Chicago/Halsted Viaduct on time too.
Is there a site plan to get a sense of what is going to rest upon the caissons?
The casino is at the north end of the site, and the hotel at the south end. There are renderings here: https://chicagoyimby.com/2024/07/ballys-casino-scores-funding-and-new-design-in-river-west.html
This truly was the worst place for this casino. Which view do you think the hotel occupants will enjoy more? The stunning cement factory and the other abandoned Tribune building across Chicago Ave? Or the lovely Ohio Street viaduct bridge heading out to the Kennedy Expressway? Truly a breathtaking location for a world-class casino.