Precast concrete panels along the Chicago River highlight construction progress on the new Bally’s Casino in River West. Those panels get trucked to the site and are lifted directly into place on the east wall next to the water. Architectural details in each panel mean they need to be delivered and installed in sequence, rather than cladding the façade with identical pieces.
A precast concrete panel waits in “landscape mode” on a truck for installation. Photo by Daniel Schell
Both cables are lowered to the panel so it can be lifted off the truck and rotated into “portrait mode.” Photo by Daniel Schell
With the panel now rotated 90 degrees into vertical orientation, the cable on the right will be detached. Photo by Daniel Schell
Upward. The panel has been spun 180 degrees so the finished surface now faces the river. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Sliding into place. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Glass panel installation next door at the hotel tower. Photo by Daniel Schell
It is an interesting process to watch. The panels arrive on their long edge, horizontally. It’s difficult from across the river to ascertain the dimensions, but they appear to be too long to transport upright due to clearance issues. Two lines from a shiny yellow Liebherr crawler crane, one of an army of cranes from Central Contractors Service operating at the site, lift the panels off the truck and rotate them 90 degrees to the upright position. One cable is then detached from the “side” of the panels before they’re hoisted upward. Crew members waiting above secure them into place.
A slew of photos around the rest of the construction site, all taken on February 27, 2026:
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
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Casino construction viewed from the west. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Even as work on the project continues in earnest, Bally’s has acknowledged that they may need more time than their original December 2026 deadline to complete the facility. It was widely reported in January that the casino might not be open by the end of the year, with Bally’s requesting extensions not only for the new opening, but to also extend their presence at the temporary casino at Medinah Temple in River North well into 2027.
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How much of that superstructure is parking deck?
zero. The parking deck will be in the NW corner of the property at opening.
My understanding is the top three, maybe even four or five floors including employee parking. 2,500 spaces or so.
Great photography!
I didn’t believe the 2026 date was ever that realistic. Ambitious, but quite the feat to deliver if it were attempted. I’d rather they take the time and not risk worker safety or compromise construction quality to get things done.
Besides all the chatter, it’s still quite impressive what they have accomplished this winter. It’s no Monte Carlo, but if they can activate the riverwalk well, its presence will be heard.
Odd that architect would obstruct a river view. That’s akin to putting floor-to-ceiling windows in front of an alley. I would love to sit at a gambling table or eating overlooking the water. What a waste of natural resources.
they want the piggies gambling, not gawking. No sunlight/ability for players to know what time it is is key
It’s giving Red/Purple Line modernization flyover
A new local vernacular! Just more corporate and a little less soul.
I live above the rebel and rye bar on Grand and Milwaukee, to say the least this casino construction has created the worst traffic nightmare, especially when you factor in the bridge closures.. i hate it, and i have serious doubts this is going to be any good for Chicago.
With a name like Chip, I thought you’d be happier to have a casino nearby.
Wait till Lincoln Yards and Halsted Point add to the mix.
At least the 1901 and Fire Stadium have more direct access to the highway. Wonder what kinda role the river will play in material transport, if it does?