Design is underway for the $1.7-billion Bally's Chicago gaming complex-resort project for entertainment firm Bally’s Corp., which received site plan approval in May. Located on Chicago Ave. along the north branch of the Chicago River, it is touted as Bally’s first such mixed-use project in a major city. The 30-acre urban riverfront location, in the former Chicago Tribune production site, will feature the casino, gaming hall, food hall, restaurants, theater, event space, museum, exhibition area, 500-key hotel and more than 10 acres of outdoor space. The concept focuses on elements that traditionally have not been associated with casinos, with addition of numerous public plazas and parks, as well as a riverfront walkway extension, Bally's says. The project team was announced in May. Gensler is designing the casino, museum, exhibition space, theater, event center, food and beverage venues, the Riverwalk and South Park projects and other public spaces. SCB is designing the hotel, spa and related food and beverage venues. Site Design Group is landscape architect and STL Architects is theater architect. Chicago Community Builders Collective was selected as general contractor. Construction would start in late 2024.