Chicago – Universal Studios brings a new place of entertainment on the theme of horror in Chicago, which should resume a vacant building in front of the future Bally’s Casino.
Called Universal Horror Unleashed, the immersive attraction will transform 700 W. Chicago Ave. In “a destination for horror and world class entertainment,” city officials announced Thursday.
Customers can expect “terrifying labyrinths, unforgettable fears, themed bars and unique food and drinking offers, and a retail space with exclusive goods”, according to a press release.
Chicago will be the second universal location of horror and the first universal attraction of Midwest. The first Unleashed universal horror is expected to open in August in Las Vegas.
The location of Las Vegas presents houses haunted with cinematographic quality inspired by classic universal monsters and success of horror such as “The Exorcist” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” as well as a haunted house with classic properties of Universal “Monsters”. Universal has classic horror characters, including the Frankenstein monster, the mummy, the creature of the Black Lagoon, Count Dracula and the ghost of the Opera.
The location of Chicago will follow a similar model, offering a “fear all year” in a city that they have described as a perfect match for the genre, said Page Thompson, president, new business, universal destinations and experiences.
The project has been underway since October 2024 and is expected to generate more than a billion dollars in economic impact and create 400 permanent jobs, said Johnson.
“This project and this redevelopment will increase and revitalize the dynamic district … once finished,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I am very excited by this announcement, and I have no doubt that fans of this kind will flow to our city for these memorable experiences.”
Construction should start at the beginning of 2026 after the finalization of design plans and secure permits. The attraction should temporarily open its doors in 2027.
The company will receive state incentives thanks to the Economic Economy Program for an increasing economy program (EDGE). It is currently not known how much money the project will receive.
Governor JB Pritzker praised the company for having made his roots in Chicago.
“Universal’s decision to make such an important investment in Illinois testifies to the unequaled state entertainment sector, renowned workforce and solid infrastructure,” Pritzker said in a press release. “The universal choice of Illinois did not occur by accident – we were proud to support this project thanks to our EDGE incentive program, which helped to fortify a positive commercial climate which attracts world class companies in the state.”
The announcement follows major investments in entertainment projects such as the Chicago Fire Stadium at 78,, An expansion of 360 chicago Observation deck and recent opening of The Harry Potter experience on Michigan Avenue.
The vacant building at 700 W. Chicago Ave. was originally supposed to be the site of the temporary casino of Bally, but the company changed speed and rather opened its temporary site inside the Temple of the Medinah of River North.
On the other side of the rue du site universal, Bally’s works to build his permanent casino of $ 1.7 billion on the old press site to print Chicago Tribune. The casino should include 3,300 locations, 173 table games, 500 hotel rooms, a place to entertain 3000 seats, a 2 acres public park, six restaurants, a catering room and three bars.
According to the Mixed Halsted Revenue Department, a development of 700 W. Chicago, a multi-Phases development which includes up to 2451 mixed income residences, 280 hotel rooms and nearly two acres of public public space, according to the city’s planning service.
The project, supported by the developer Onni, is currently in a standstill in the zoning committee of the municipal council in the midst of a dispute between the developer and organized work.
If it is approved, the development would be built in three phases and would have a vast river on the other side of the Halsted Pointe d’Onni project river.
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