The development of Chicago’s first-ever casino has faced numerous challenges, with the latest being debris falling into the Chicago River during demolition work at the site of the city’s future $1.7 billion casino. Bally’s Corporation is constructing the casino on the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center printing facility, which is currently undergoing demolition.
During the demolition process, a section of a wall collapsed into the river, prompting officials from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Industrial Waste Division to visit the site. The construction team is working to clean up the debris, and measures have been put in place to prevent further debris from falling into the water. A barge has been deployed to stop any additional debris from entering the river, while an oil boom has been placed under a nearby bridge to capture any debris that may still be flowing downstream.
Environmental activists from Urban Rivers have expressed concern about the potential impact of the fallen materials on local wildlife and plant life. Some volunteers from the group have attempted to collect some of the debris to minimize the impact on the ecosystem.
Developers are hopeful that this incident will be the last major problem they encounter before the casino is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026. Previous challenges faced by the project included financing issues, concerns over the licensing process, and design modifications necessitated by underlying water pipes.
Despite these setbacks, the development of Chicago’s first casino continues to progress, with the construction team working to address the latest obstacle of debris falling into the Chicago River. The casino is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the city and create new opportunities for residents and visitors alike. With ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts in place, developers are committed to ensuring the project’s success and minimizing any negative impacts on the surrounding environment.