Chicago Construction News staff writer

The Chicago Tribune has agreed to vacate the Freedom Center by July 2024, opening the door for the Bally’s Chicago casino.

The building will be demolished and construction is expected to begin next year. Bally’s Chicago, the largest casino in Illinois will be completed by 2026.

Bally’s plans to transform the 30-acre Chicago Tribune Publishing Center, a currently underutilized property “into a major economic driver for the city.”

Bally’s officially purchased the printing press buildings from Nexstar Media, the company that owns Tribune Publishing, for $200 million in November 2022. In the days following the transaction, Bally’s sold the property. A Chicago real estate firm purchased the land for $500 million and leased it back.

The project has a $1.74 billion price tag and will includes a 500-room hotel and casino with 3,400 slot machines, 170 table games, 10 bars and restaurants.

Updated renderings describe the project as a “destination, casino,” showcasing the “’The best of Chicago,'” officials with the development say.

“Visitors will get a taste of what the City has to offer—from arts and culture, food and sports to our curated dining and entertainment experiences,” a website dedicated to the project states.

Find out more at Chicago Construction News.