Demolition Work Starts on Bally’s Chicago Site

By Jane Shaw Senior Editor Updated: 07/03/2024

Jane Shaw Senior Editor See Full Bio

We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she’s our gambling tech expert. Jane’s also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.

Twitter X

Bally’s Chicago Venue

It was recently reported that work is going ahead at the Freedom Center site in Chicago, which is set to be transformed into the long-awaited permanent Bally’s Chicago Casino and Hotel.

According to officials, extensive demolition work is set to begin at Chicago’s Freedom Center site. The project faces a rigorous five-month schedule of daily demolition to prepare for the upcoming development, which will result in the transformation of the site, which is currently occupied by the Chicago Tribune.

Located in the heart of Chicago, the Freedom Center will soon change from a well-known newspaper hub to a vibrant gambling and hospitality venue. However, this is all based upon Bally’s successfully getting through the city’s complex regulatory requirements.

The regional casino operator has filed for five demolition permits, each targeting different structures on the site. Approval of these permits, however, remains pending and is crucial for the project’s timeline.

Meeting the Deadline for Demolition Work

Despite the uncertainty of permit approvals, Bally’s must undertake continuous demolition work. It is reported that the demolition work will have to take place for 12 hours a day, seven days a week to meet the ambitious deadline.

At present, the State of Illinois has set a third-quarter 2026 completion target for the casino hotel, which has highlighted the urgency of the project’s initial phases.

Marlene Hopkins, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Buildings, told local media that issuing the necessary permits could take anywhere from 30 to 45 days. She said that this timeframe was an estimate and depended on any issues or complexities relating to the site. It was also reported that the city has labeled the Freedom Center’s demolition as an ‘environmentally complex’ project.

Bally’s will have to adhere to strict environmental guidelines throughout the demolition process. This includes avoiding explosives, maintaining a speed limit of 10 miles per hour for excavators, and in some cases, using hand excavation.

The health department will also have a continual presence at the site to monitor dust levels, with the authority ready to halt operations if the environmental impact exceeds safe limits.

In a statement, the city said:

For this type of demolition, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) follows a special process to carefully review the demolition’s potential impacts before any work begins. Then we make sure plans are in place to protect the environment and public health during the demolition.

On top of these challenges for Bally’s are the company’s financial issues and Chicago’s unpredictable weather patterns, which could further complicate the tight schedule. Even if the demolition work begins in August, officials said that there might still be delays due to the city’s harsh weather conditions.

A Huge Investment in Economic Development

Following the demolition phase, the construction of Bally’s Chicago Casino and Hotel will begin. This phase will depend not only on weather conditions but also on efficient permit processing and avoiding any labor disruptions.

This project is a huge investment in Chicago’s economic development, and it is expected to create jobs and boost tourism. However, officials have pointed out that the overall success of the project hinges on overcoming numerous logistical and regulatory hurdles in the coming months.