Overview
- Universal Destinations & Experiences announced that its year-round horror attraction, Universal Horror Unleashed: Chicago, will occupy the 114,000-square-foot former commercial building across from Bally’s Casino at 700 W. Chicago Ave.
- Construction is set to begin in early 2026 following design finalization and permitting, with an opening planned for 2027.
- The venue will feature multiple haunted mazes, themed bars, unique food and beverage outlets, and a retail space offering branded merchandise.
- The project is expected to create more than 400 permanent jobs, including scare actors, make-up artists and prosthetic technicians, and generate over $1 billion in economic impact for the city.
- Illinois awarded incentives through its EDGE program to support the development, highlighting the state’s competitive business climate and robust entertainment sector.