Bally’s Chicago marked the placement of its final structural beam during a topping-off ceremony on July 20, 2026. The event took place at the 30-acre redevelopment site in Chicago’s River West and Near West Side districts.
Construction Milestone and Timeline
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., and Bally’s executive chairman Soo Kim attended the ceremony alongside union representatives, Chicago Community Builders Collective members, and site workers. The gathering confirmed the conclusion of the structural phase for the $1.7bn development.Construction will proceed to the finishing stage, with the facility scheduled to open in spring 2027. Soo Kim stated, "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. We are 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." The project will generate approximately 3,000 permanent positions for residents.
The development transforms the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center location into a riverfront complex designed to restore public access along the Chicago River shoreline.