In mid-February when we last checked up on the hotel tower for Bally’s Casino in River West, the second tower crane jump had just been completed. At the time, I surmised that the second tie-in was at the 16th or 17th floor. I may have been off by one floor; it looks now like perhaps the crane is anchored into the 18th floor.
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Glass has yet to reach the second crane tie-in on the 18th floor. Photo by Daniel Schell
If that’s correct, crews from McHugh Concrete and general contractor Chicago Community Builders Collective have raised the protective screens to pour concrete on the 27th or 28th floor as of the final week of March. That leaves just a handful of levels to go before topping out the 34-story, 500-room hotel. There will also be one final tower crane jump before the ultimate height is reached, per the permit issued in November for all three jumps.
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Glass panels continue to wrap around the hotel’s exterior. Save for the panes on either side of a concrete facing on the southwest façade, rows have been completed through the 15th floor, with glass partially enclosing the 16th level.
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
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. It does not appear clear at this time when Opening Day will occur.
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Regardless of exact timing of opening, progress on this enormous project has been lightning fast! Huge kudos to everyone involved!
The temple is being built!
Huge hope that this project really pays off for the city and Bally’s.
Hope there’s a high occupancy rate once opened. Would be good for the city.