Pages

▼

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Where Would the City Put a Casino?

Casino talk is not new, but it came up as a topic for debate again this past week (probably because of Rahm taking over). A recent article on NBC chicago's website ponders where this might go:

Where would the Windy City's casino be built?

Though the state has to give the first approval to expand gambling, it
would be up to the Chicago City Council to decide the casino's location.
Block 37, Trump Tower and McCormick Place are among the contenders that have
been discussed.

Some state lawmakers think because of Emanuel's support, a casino might
make its way through the legislature this session. "If the rest of
the state can have riverboats, why not Chicago?" asked Sen. Kirk Dillard
(R-Hinsdale).

Still, Dillard said he believes five new casinos are too many.

Some lawmakers are looking for Emanuel to make his way to the state capitol
before the May 31 adjournment. It's not on his schedule just yet, but there's
still time.

We know most people don't want this around the Sloop, but it seems like the old Icke homes might be a perfect spot (then the buses in Chinatown going to the Casinos won't have as much business)? Or Michael Reese Campus?

12 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 22, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    What about the old post office that sold last year? Does anyone know what the plans are for this building? I could see a casino here-lots of public transportation in this area......

    ReplyDelete
  2. StevenMay 23, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    No question in my mind. The land south of McCormick place where the Olympic Village was to be built.

    Can linkit to the convention center, hotels, close to the Red Line, brings development $$$ to the area. A no brainer but anticipate big time objection from local residents.

    ReplyDelete
  3. StevenMay 23, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    No brainer. The Olympic Village site adjacent to McCormick Place. Beautiful location, build overpasses to the lake as envisioned. Close to Red Line, 90/94, LSD, etc. Local residents might be up in arms but it brings seriously needed $$$ to the neighborhood.

    ReplyDelete
  4. tayiahMay 23, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Yes, i agree put it in northern bronzeville.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousMay 23, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    The Red Line isn't very close to the Olympic Village site. It stops at Cermak and 35th, along Wells, which is pretty far from that site. Altho the Metra line is adjacent. ... I wouldn't be surprised if this is the plan. The city made NO real attempt to protect even the few buildings it said it was going to save from the Michael Reese site. And clearing the land, without saying it was for a casino makes it easier politically. Such a shame if some craptastic casino goes up on the site of Chicago's only Walter Gropius project, Michael Reese. A long way from the Bauhaus .....

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jeff WaggMay 23, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    There is a very large abandoned train yard that borders State St. from Roosevelt to 16th South. Easy access to Roosevelt station, it fronts the river on one side, and it could have amazing views of the skyline. It has access from Clark.

    I'm not sure how I like the idea, but this site seems well suited for this kind of thing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. MarinauserMay 24, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    The last thing any casino considers is a view. There will be no windows and no outside patios. The goal is to keep the gamblers inside and gambling without regard to what time it is or what the weather is. The old McCormick place is perfect since conventioneers can walk over and it is an easy visit from all of the down town hotels. But I honestly always thought Daley closed Meigs to put the casino there.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousMay 24, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    First off, this is a really BAD idea!
    Second, if Chicago is seriously considering this, then any area that has residential units within it should be taken off the list. This means that Bronzeville, South Loop, Dearborn Park, Pilsen, and Chinatown should be discounted, INCLUDING the nature area west of Clark Street between Roosevelt & 16th.

    If a river site is needed, keep this blight on the west side of the river adjacent to the Metra/Amtrak yards… build it above the tracks. If this area is good enough for the Pacific Garden Mission, then a casino will work there as well.

    Third, do we REALLY think that this is a good idea???

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousMay 26, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    "Third, do we REALLY think that this is a good idea???"

    Yes.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousAugust 26, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    Anybody who knows the potential sites must realise that the Old Post Office building will create more benefits than the other sites
    Transport links, parking and hotel accommodation make it the only realistic option

    Stevie G

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousAugust 26, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    Anybody who knows the potential sites must realise that the Old Post Office building will create more benefits than the other sites
    Transport links, parking and hotel accommodation make it the only realistic option

    Stevie G

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousAugust 27, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    Stevie G... i didnt "realise" that. But your comments have really coloured my opinion. Are you quite sure youre not Bill Davies?

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.