Bally’s Casino Hotel Tower Nears Top-Out at 34 Stories in Chicago

• Bally's Corporation advancing 34-story, 500-room hotel tower
• Structure now rising past 27th floor, nearing completion of vertical build
• Opening timeline may extend into 2027

What the construction progress means for timeline

The Bally’s casino hotel tower in River West is quickly approaching its full height, with crews now working near the upper floors. Concrete work has reached the high 20s, leaving only a few levels before topping out the 34-story structure. Exterior glass installation is also progressing steadily, enclosing the lower half of the building. This stage signals the project is entering its final vertical phase before shifting toward interior buildout and finishing work.

What the scale means for Chicago’s hospitality supply

The 500-room hotel is a major component of Bally’s broader casino development, adding significant hospitality capacity to the area. Projects of this size are designed to capture both tourism and local entertainment demand, especially as Chicago builds out its long-term casino infrastructure. For investors, large-scale hospitality tied to gaming typically offers diversified revenue streams across rooms, entertainment, and gaming operations.

What construction partners mean for execution

Concrete work is being handled by McHugh Concrete, with the project led by the Chicago Community Builders Collective as general contractor. The involvement of experienced contractors is critical at this stage, where efficiency and coordination determine whether the project stays on schedule and within budget.

What the delays mean for delivery risk

Despite strong construction progress, Bally’s has indicated the project may miss its original December 2026 opening target. The company is already seeking extensions to continue operating its temporary casino into 2027, suggesting a revised timeline is likely. For large, complex developments like this, delays are not uncommon, especially given the scale and regulatory requirements tied to casino projects.

What this means for Chicago development trends

The Bally’s project reflects continued investment in large-scale entertainment and mixed-use developments in Chicago. While timelines may shift, projects like this play a key role in shaping long-term economic activity, drawing visitors and supporting surrounding retail and hospitality assets.