Chicago is undergoing a significant transformation, with several large-scale projects set to redefine its skyline and urban landscape. From a new presidential center to a tech giant's headquarters and a riverfront casino, these developments promise to reshape the city for decades to come, bringing both excitement and debate.
Key Takeaways
- The Obama Presidential Center is scheduled to open in June, featuring a 225-foot museum tower.
- Google's new headquarters in the former Thompson Center will complete its $280 million renovation in 2026.
- Bally's $1.7 billion casino and resort is expected to open in Fall 2026, adding a hotel and theater to the riverfront.
- DuSable Park, a 3.4-acre green space, will begin construction this year, honoring Jean Baptiste Point DuSable.
- The Chicago Bears continue their search for a new stadium, facing public funding challenges.
Obama Presidential Center Nears Completion
The highly anticipated Obama Presidential Center is on track for a June opening. Located on 20 acres of historic Jackson Park, the $850 million complex has faced years of legal challenges and federal review. These issues stemmed from the decision to build within a park listed on the National Register, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
The centerpiece of the complex is a striking 225-foot museum tower. This ambitious project brings together a team of prominent design talents, including Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects and landscape architects Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates. Moody Nolan, the largest Black-owned architecture firm in the country, also contributed to the design.
"The Obama Presidential Center represents a significant investment in our community and a commitment to preserving an important part of American history," stated a project spokesperson.
While the center aims to be a beacon of history and community engagement, some observers question its aesthetic impact. The hard-edged museum tower and the choice to build over a section of a historic park have generated considerable discussion. The public will soon experience the full scope of this monumental addition to Chicago's South Side.
Project Details
- Cost: $850 million
- Size: 20 acres
- Museum Tower Height: 225 feet
- Expected Opening: June
Google's New Chicago Headquarters Takes Shape
Google's extensive $280 million renovation of the iconic James R. Thompson Center is scheduled for completion in 2026. Last summer, the first sections of new exterior glass were installed, marking a visible step in the building's transformation into the tech giant's new downtown headquarters.
The redesign by the original architectural firm, Jahn, aims to modernize the building while preserving its unique character. Renderings released in 2024 show a more subdued interior, though the building's distinctive atrium will remain a central feature. The new exterior glass facade and revised ground-level entry will update the building's 1980s postmodern aesthetic.
This renovation signifies a major commitment by Google to Chicago's downtown core. The company's presence is expected to bring new jobs and economic activity to the area, further solidifying Chicago's status as a growing tech hub.
Thompson Center History
The James R. Thompson Center, completed in 1985, is known for its distinctive postmodern architecture and massive atrium. Designed by Helmut Jahn, it served as a state government building before Google's acquisition for its new headquarters.
Bally's Casino and Entertainment Complex
Along the Chicago River, at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street, construction of Bally's $1.7 billion casino and entertainment complex is moving forward. A fall 2026 opening is planned for the sprawling facility, which will feature a 3,000-seat theater, multiple dining options, and a 500-room hotel.
Designed by HKS, the complex aims to be a major draw for both locals and tourists. However, some initial reactions to the renderings suggest its design might be better suited for an interstate location rather than a prominent urban waterway. The proposed 2-acre park accompanying the casino also appears modest given the large scale of the riverfront development.
The project represents a significant investment in Chicago's entertainment and hospitality sector. Its impact on the surrounding neighborhood and the city's tourism landscape will become clearer upon its completion.
DuSable Park: A Long-Awaited Green Space
After nearly four decades of anticipation, construction is finally scheduled to begin this year on DuSable Park. This 3.4-acre green space will be built on a former industrial site at the mouth of the Chicago River, honoring Jean Baptiste Point DuSable.
DuSable, a Haitian-born trader and businessman, established his home and trading post along the river in the 1780s. He is recognized as one of the first non-Indigenous settlers to identify the economic potential of the area that would later become Chicago. The park will feature a statue of DuSable and a pavilion providing information about him and his Potawatomi wife, Kitihawa.
Designed by Ross Barney Architects and Brook Architecture, the park will include an entry plaza, an elliptical promenade, boardwalk wetlands, prairies, and a series of hills. It will also connect to the Riverwalk and Navy Pier’s Flyover, an elevated section of the lakefront trail.
Related Midwest, the development company constructing the 400 Lake Shore residential towers nearby, contributed $10 million towards the park's $15 million cost. This private contribution highlights a significant step towards realizing a long-held civic vision.
- Park Size: 3.4 acres
- Total Cost: $15 million
- Related Midwest Contribution: $10 million
- Scheduled Start: This year
Chicago Bears Stadium Search Continues
The Chicago Bears' search for a new stadium site remains ongoing, moving through various locations with no clear resolution. After purchasing and then demolishing Arlington Park Racecourse, the team encountered obstacles in Springfield regarding public funding. This led to a controversial proposal for a new stadium next to Soldier Field, which also faced significant pushback.
The team is now reportedly exploring options in Northwest Indiana. The protracted search has raised questions about the use of public funds for private sports facilities. Many hope that the new year will bring clarity and a solution that prioritizes public benefit over private interests.
The financial implications for taxpayers are a central concern in this ongoing saga. A new stadium could cost billions, and the debate over who should bear that cost continues to be a major point of contention.