Chicago unveils details of five casino proposals
The city will hold a public meeting next month for bidders to present their plans.
US.- The city of Chicago has unveiled details of five casino proposals for a resort in the city. The five options, from Bally´s (two proposals) Hard Rock, Rivers Chicago at McCormick and Rivers 78 Gaming, were submitted in a request-for-proposal process that ended in late October. The city plans to hold a public meeting next month for bidders to present their plans.
The proposals will be analysed by a committee of 11 city departments for a decision before being submitted to Mayor Lori Lightfoot for Chicago City Council approval. If the City Council approves the project, it would then go to the Illinois Gaming Board for a licence.
The application deadline for the proposal was extended to October 29 due to initial low interest.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said: “The caliber of the proposals from Bally’s Corp., HR Chicago LLC, Rivers Chicago at McCormick LLC, and Rivers Gaming LLC are in line with our vision to develop a world-class experience in Chicago that will drive significant economic growth and employment opportunities for our communities.
“Each proposal provides a unique vision for what Chicago’s casino-resort could look like, and our expert review committees are ready to dive into discussions to usher in a new and exciting era for our city.”
The five proposals are:
Bally´s Proposal 1: At Chicago Tribune Publishing Center. Valued at $1.8bn, a 3,600-gaming positions casino, a 500-room high-rise hotel, 70,000 square-foot entertainment venue.
Bally´s Proposal 2: McCormick Plack Truck Marshaling. A $1.6bn site with 500 rooms, six restaurants, three bars and lounges; a 3,000-seat, 70,000 square-foot entertainment venue; 20,000 square feet of exhibition space; outdoor-rooftop green space including bars, lounges, and pools; 3,400 slots and 173 table games.
Hard Rock Chicago: a $1.7bn property at ONE Central with up to 500 rooms, eight restaurants, six bars and lounges, a 3,500-seat Hard Rock Live, Rock Spa, Hard Rock Music and Entertainment Experience, 3,400 slots, and 166 table games.
Rivers Chicago at McCormick LLC: a $1.3bn property at Lakeside Center at McCormick Place. A 2,900-room hotel with the ability to add 250 or additional rooms; 12 restaurants, four bars, and lounges in addition to full bars at seven restaurants, a 4,200-seat theatre, convention centre, 2,600 slots, and 190 table games.
Rivers 78 Gaming LLC: In the eight-acre riverfront entertainment district at the northern end of the mixed-use 78 neighbourhood. A $2bn property with 300 rooms; eight restaurants, five bars, and lounges; riverfront plaza; observation tower with indoor-outdoor viewing space; Harbor Hall multipurpose riverfront venue for live entertainment, culture-arts and community programs with rooftop space; 2,600 slots and 190 table games.
