Development plans for Chicago’s first casino have stalled because the proposed 35-story hotel could damage the water pipes underneath. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Development plans for Chicago’s first ever casino fail. Bally’s Corporation goes back to the drawing board after it emerges that a 35-story hotel tower could damage the property’s water pipes. The Rhode Island-based casino company must now choose an alternative site to build the tower and seek approval from city officials.
Bally received the green light for its plans towards the end of 2022. The first phase consists of a 100-room hotel. The glass tower was part of the second phase, which was intended to create an additional 400 rooms.
There is a risk of damage to major water pipes near the river
It was Bally’s who first pointed out the danger of damage to major water mains near the river. City officials agreed after further inspection.
Work on the site has not yet begun and Bally hopes to break ground sometime this summer. While the work is still ongoing, a temporary casino was opened in the Medinah Temple, but the initial figures for this temporary facility were well below forecasts. In the few months it was open, the city benefited just $3.1 million.
Bally’s is confident that despite the pipe issues, the schedule will remain the same and the permanent casino can open in September 2026.
