The first phase of the project is seeking LEED Gold certification.Īccording to Bally’s, the development’s second phase aims to create a “spectacular regional destination” with almost 4,800 apartments, another hotel, and 125,000 square feet of retail spread out over 5.6 million square feet.Īlthough the casino plan cleared the City Council, it attracted its fair share of criticism in the process. Rendering of a linear park over the Union Pacific rail alignment at Halstead Street (SCB/Courtesy Chicago DPD) If the Illinois Gaming Board approves the project, Bally’s December 2022 presentation to the city noted that it will pay the city $40 million upfront, and make annual contributions of $2 million for community benefits and $2 million for the general fund, respectively.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Chicago officials are banking on fees and taxes from the project to finance police and fire pension funds, which are currently experiencing a shortfall.
