Graffiti appears on Bally's Chicago tower as construction stays halted for 78 days

Construction on Bally's Chicago's 34-story hotel tower came to a sudden halt on August 9. After the site was abandoned, the upper floors of the tower were quickly covered in graffiti. More than two months have passed, and the writing still stands as a visible sign that the 1.7 billion dollar casino project, which aims to help close Chicago's pension fund shortfall, is on hold.

In mid-August, the top six floors of the unfinished tower were vandalized. The writing reminds passersby that the 1.7 billion dollar casino project is still pending.

Bally's Corp. stopped work on the non-casino parts of the facility after the city allowed video gaming terminals in restaurants, truck stops and veterans' halls. The company argues that these terminals violate the Host Community Agreement, which grants it exclusive rights to operate slot machines within city limits.

Bally's says construction crews continue to work on the casino floor and support facilities. The planned casino will feature more than 3,000 slot machines and 170 live dealer table games. The company also says it plans to add a world-class sportsbook.

The graffiti was reportedly made by SOPO, a Chicago street artist known for climbing tall buildings. The artist is said to have used Rust-Oleum spray paint, which is considered nearly impossible to remove completely. Bally's has not yet had the writing on the concrete core of the tower cleaned. Two other artists, NOMS and Neme, are also reportedly involved in the incident.

Bally's continues to press the Chicago City Council to allow the halted work to resume, including a 500-room hotel, a 3,000-seat theater and the Chicago Riverwalk public green space. To this end, it is working with the law firm Fahner Rosenberg, led by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Last month, the company met its obligation under the agreement by paying the city an annual community impact payment of 4 million dollars. The dispute has not yet been resolved.