Bally’s Chicago

Inspired by the city’s interplay of dichotomies — grit and grandeur, structure and the organic, historically-charged and cutting-edge — the design of Bally’s Chicago creates a sense of wonder and adventure accessible to everyone.

The casino resort plan is uniquely focused on elements that have not been traditionally associated with casinos, bringing in nature and wellness through numerous new public plazas and parks while maintaining a strong connection to the city with easy public transportation access, a proposed new water taxi stop, and a kayak landing. The terraced green space of South Park, adjacent to the theater, connects the lower riverbank level to multiple levels of engagement with areas for outdoor dining, retail, community gatherings, and opportunities for public art.

While casinos are typically interior-facing programmatically, the spirit of this urban venue is outward-facing, utilizing transparency to give onlookers a view “through the looking glass” into the activity inside. The porous nature of the design, a first of this typology in a major city, allows the energy and vibrancy to spill onto the retail-lined sidewalk — an invitation to play for all.