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Chicago & Midwest  + Downtown  + Hospitality  |  May 5, 2026
Jasmine Kilman
By: Jasmine Kilman

Bally’s Celebrates Topping Off $1.7B Riverfront Casino

Bally’s Corp. recently celebrated topping off its $1.7 billion Chicago riverfront casino.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional signing, lifting, and placement of the final beam, marking a key structural milestone. The casino is part of a 30-acre redevelopment of the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site, which will be transformed into a riverfront destination.

The entertainment complex at 560 W. Grand Ave. will become the largest casino in Illinois, featuring 3,400 slot machines, 173 table games, 10 food and beverage venues in partnership with Levy Hospitality, and a 500-room hotel tower with a rooftop bar. Bally’s Chicago will also include a 3,000-seat entertainment theater and event center.

“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,” Executive Chairman Soo Kim said in a statement. “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.”

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About Jasmine Kilman

Jasmine Kilman is Content Director of Connect Commercial Real Estate, covering Chicago and greater Chicagoland, the Midwest, Seattle, and the Pacific Northwest. She covers industry trends, transaction deals, market research, and produces daily news stories. With experience in marketing and communications for academic nonprofits and corporate clients, including Hearst Media, Hilton, and Coldwell Banker, Kilman has written about commercial real estate, environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), technology, healthcare, and philanthropy. She was born and raised in California and graduated with a degree in public relations. In her spare time, Kilman enjoys hiking and traveling to new locations with her family.
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