Hollywood Casino Aurora Development
PENN Entertainment is relocating Hollywood Casino Aurora to a new 18.7-acre development site near I-88 and Farnsworth Road. The new location will feature a modern casino with 1,200 gaming positions, a 220-room four-star quality hotel with a spa, high-quality bars, and restaurants (including an Italian steakhouse, Asian noodle bar, and sports bar), along with a 1,000-car parking structure and site improvements. The new location will also host a variety of entertainment, weddings, meetings, conferences, and special events.
Community Outreach
April 5th, 2024 - Mayor Richard C. Irvin proudly presented Viking Brothers, Inc. with the prestigious Mayor’s Award of Excellence. This esteemed recognition celebrates Viking Brothers, Inc. as a longstanding veteran-owned enterprise in Aurora, demonstrating exemplary dedication to providing essential services. Viking Brothers, Inc. has played a pivotal role in the realization of the new Hollywood Casino Aurora Resort, contributing vital assistance during the initial demolition phase by facilitating the responsible hauling of debris at the development site.
The Mayor’s Award of Excellence underscores Viking Brothers, Inc.’s commitment to excellence and its significant contributions to the community's development and prosperity. Click the photo below to see the Mayor's speech.
PENN Entertainment is relocating Hollywood Casino Aurora to a new 18.7-acre development site near I-88 and Farnsworth Road. The new location will feature a modern casino with 1,200 gaming positions, a 220-room four-star quality hotel with a spa, high-quality bars, and restaurants (including an Italian steakhouse, Asian noodle bar, and sports bar), along with a 1,000-car parking structure and site improvements. The new location will also host a variety of entertainment, weddings, meetings, conferences, and special events.
Community Outreach
April 5th, 2024 - Mayor Richard C. Irvin proudly presented Viking Brothers, Inc. with the prestigious Mayor’s Award of Excellence. This esteemed recognition celebrates Viking Brothers, Inc. as a longstanding veteran-owned enterprise in Aurora, demonstrating exemplary dedication to providing essential services. Viking Brothers, Inc. has played a pivotal role in the realization of the new Hollywood Casino Aurora Resort, contributing vital assistance during the initial demolition phase by facilitating the responsible hauling of debris at the development site.
The Mayor’s Award of Excellence underscores Viking Brothers, Inc.’s commitment to excellence and its significant contributions to the community's development and prosperity. Click the photo below to see the Mayor's speech.
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FAQ
Share FAQ on Facebook Share FAQ on Twitter Share FAQ on Linkedin Email FAQ linkWHERE WILL THE NEW CASINO BE LOCATED? The new casino development is located at the southwest corner of Farnsworth Avenue and Bilter Road in Aurora. This site is just west of the Chicago Premium Outlets and is ideally situated near I-88.
WHY IS THE CASINO MOVING? The expanded gaming law that passed in 2019 allowed for both new casinos in the Chicago area and the movement of riverboats to landside. Coupled with the rampant proliferation of Video Gaming Terminals throughout the state, the existing location of Hollywood Casino Aurora is at a significant competitive disadvantage. PENN Entertainment partnered with the City of Aurora to develop a new facility in a more convenient location that supports additional economic growth in the community and allows for a new, state-of-the-art gaming resort that can compete on a more level playing field with existing and future gaming facilities in the state and create the opportunity for more tax revenue for the City of Aurora.
WHEN WILL THE NEW CASINO OPEN? PENN Entertainment expects the new casino to open sometime in the second half of 2025 or early 2026.
WHAT WILL THIS COST THE CITY OF AURORA? Aurora City Council voted to support the new casino through the issuance of bonds backed by new real estate taxes generated by the new casino. The City’s support represents less than 15% of the estimated $360 million investment being made by PENN Entertainment. Notably, PENN Entertainment is advancing funds for the new casino and the City of Aurora is only reimbursing PENN for certain costs. Importantly, the anticipated increase in tax revenues from the new facility is expected to provide revenues to not only service the bonds but also generate millions of additional dollars annually to reinvest into the community. The bonds would not be issued but for the development of the new casino property and the additional tax dollars it is expected to generate.
HOW MANY JOBS WILL BE CREATED? It is expected that the project will create hundreds of construction jobs, including those in the building trades unions. PENN Entertainment will work with the general contractor to forge union partnerships and identify opportunities for local businesses and minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses to participate in construction and procurement. Additionally, the casino currently employs approximately 350 team members, and they expect the new property will employ roughly 700 team members. This means the new Hollywood Casino Aurora would create approximately 350 new permanent jobs in the City of Aurora. PENN Entertainment also plans to host job fairs in Aurora for these career opportunities.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE CURRENT DOWNTOWN CASINO? Once the new casino opens, the existing casino will close. The Redevelopment Agreement requires PENN Entertainment to demolish the existing casino (barge, building, and walkway over the Fox River to the west and turn the land over to the City of Aurora). The two existing Downtown Parking Decks used by the casino will remain and will be available to the public and downtown businesses. Future planning is necessary to determine the highest and best use for the downtown location. The City of Aurora sees a tremendous opportunity to build something truly unique and exciting to continue to strengthen the downtown and the City of Aurora.
HOW MUCH MONEY WILL THE NEW CASINO BRING TO THE CITY OF AURORA? Currently, the casino’s operations provide approximately $6 million annually in gaming taxes. Maintaining the status quo with new gaming options throughout the region and new casinos opening soon will likely further decrease annual gaming tax revenues for Aurora. The proposed new casino resort at a more highly visible, accessible, and convenient location is expected to both increase annual gaming tax revenue and create new property, food and beverage, and hotel tax revenue, as well as associated tax revenue due to increased employment at the new facility. Since it opened, Hollywood Casino has contributed approximately $300 million in gaming taxes to the City of Aurora.
WILL THE CASINO AFFECT THE VALUE OF MY HOME? The City of Aurora is focused on increasing our non-traditional, non-property tax revenue sources which helps to reduce the need to increase City property taxes. The City expects to see increased social services, greater community programs, additional capital improvements, and more projects funded through Ward funds which results in stronger neighborhoods and home values.
HOW CAN THE CASINO MOVE OFF OF THE FOX RIVER? The City of Aurora was instrumental in getting the gaming law changed to allow for relocation within the casino’s home city, as well as removing the requirement that gaming floors be situated above water. The City’s efforts allow for the casino, its jobs, tax revenue, and other benefits to expand while remaining in Aurora.
WILL THERE BE SIDEWALKS AND BIKE TRAILS? Yes. In addition to internal sidewalks and pedestrian crossings at signalized intersections, there will be a multi-use trail along all three sides of the new casino – Farnsworth, Bilter, and Church. The existing multi-use trail along the east side of Farnsworth Avenue will be extended.
WILL THE CASINO INCORPORATE GREEN BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES? The casino and hotel will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified and will incorporate energy-efficient lighting, water-conserving toilets, and integrated sink systems for reductions in paper utilization.
Have another question? Email EconomicDevelopment@aurora.il.us
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Aurora City Council Authorizes Sale of $58 Million in Bonds for Hollywood Casino Project (Beacon News)
Share Aurora City Council Authorizes Sale of $58 Million in Bonds for Hollywood Casino Project (Beacon News) on Facebook Share Aurora City Council Authorizes Sale of $58 Million in Bonds for Hollywood Casino Project (Beacon News) on Twitter Share Aurora City Council Authorizes Sale of $58 Million in Bonds for Hollywood Casino Project (Beacon News) on Linkedin Email Aurora City Council Authorizes Sale of $58 Million in Bonds for Hollywood Casino Project (Beacon News) linkThe Aurora City Council Tuesday night passed an ordinance authorizing the sale of $58 million in general obligation bonds to put toward the Hollywood Casino-Aurora resort project. Read the Beacon News article HERE.
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Aurora Considers $58M Bond Issue for New Hollywood Casino: Report (Patch)
Share Aurora Considers $58M Bond Issue for New Hollywood Casino: Report (Patch) on Facebook Share Aurora Considers $58M Bond Issue for New Hollywood Casino: Report (Patch) on Twitter Share Aurora Considers $58M Bond Issue for New Hollywood Casino: Report (Patch) on Linkedin Email Aurora Considers $58M Bond Issue for New Hollywood Casino: Report (Patch) linkPosted: Jan 26, 2024
Aurora is considering a $58 million bond issue for the new Hollywood Casino development on Farnsworth Avenue, according to reports from the Chicago Tribune. Read the full Patch article HERE.
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Penn Entertainment Breaks Ground on New $360M Hollywood Casino (Patch)
Share Penn Entertainment Breaks Ground on New $360M Hollywood Casino (Patch) on Facebook Share Penn Entertainment Breaks Ground on New $360M Hollywood Casino (Patch) on Twitter Share Penn Entertainment Breaks Ground on New $360M Hollywood Casino (Patch) on Linkedin Email Penn Entertainment Breaks Ground on New $360M Hollywood Casino (Patch) linkPosted: Nov 30, 2023 (via Patch)
PENN Entertainment, the parent company behind the new Hollywood Casino in Aurora, broke ground Wednesday on the $360 million project. Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin and other city and business leaders joined the developer to celebrate the new entertainment district on nearly 19 acres of land near the Chicago Premium Outlets. See the full article HERE.
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Aurora City Council Approves New Hollywood Casino Construction Plan (WGN)
Share Aurora City Council Approves New Hollywood Casino Construction Plan (WGN) on Facebook Share Aurora City Council Approves New Hollywood Casino Construction Plan (WGN) on Twitter Share Aurora City Council Approves New Hollywood Casino Construction Plan (WGN) on Linkedin Email Aurora City Council Approves New Hollywood Casino Construction Plan (WGN) linkPosted:
After 30 years of being located on the Fox River, the Hollywood Casino Aurora will soon have a new place to call home. On Tuesday, the Aurora City Council approved, 10-1, the final plans by PENN Entertainment, clearing the final step to begin the construction process of the Hollywood Casino Aurora relocation. See the full WGN article HERE.
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Meet The Team
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Assistant Director, Mayor's Office of Economic Development
City of Aurora
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Economic Development Coordinator, Mayor's Office of Economic Development
City of Aurora
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Doing Business with PENN Entertainment
Hollywood Casino Aurora’s parent company, PENN Entertainment, Inc., hired Power Construction as the new Aurora Casino Development Project contractor.
To learn more about Power Construction's sub-contractor process, please click HERE or email hollywoodcasinoaurora@powerconstruction.net
Contact the City of Aurora
To contact the City of Aurora regarding this project, email Dr. Kenneth Campbell (Project Manager) at EconomicDevelopment@aurora.il.us
Lifecycle
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Aurora City Council Approves New Hollywood Casino Construction Plan
Hollywood Casino Aurora Development has finished this stage -
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at New Hollywood Casino Location
Hollywood Casino Aurora Development has finished this stage -
Crews Break Ground on New Aurora Casino Location
Hollywood Casino Aurora Development has finished this stage -
Parking Garage Drawing Set Awards
Hollywood Casino Aurora Development has finished this stage-Precast (garage)
-Demo
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Casino and Podium Drawing Set Awards
Hollywood Casino Aurora Development has finished this stage-Deep Foundations
-CIP Concrete Foundations (partial)
-Curtainwall
-Steel
-MEEPFP
-Earthwork
-Site Utilities
-Elevators
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City Council Authorizes Funding ($58 million bonds) for the Hollywood Casino Aurora Project
Hollywood Casino Aurora Development has finished this stage -
Building Demolition
Hollywood Casino Aurora Development has finished this stage -
Site Infrastructure Demolition & Site Setup
Hollywood Casino Aurora Development is currently at this stage-Site mobilization, which includes delivery of the trailers that will be on site for the general contractor and owner.
-Fencing the site for security purposes
-Establishment of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for the overall site
-Temporary electrical power to the site.
-Demo of existing buildings
- Fences
- Buildings
- Trees
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Site Excavation & Mass Grading
this is an upcoming stage for Hollywood Casino Aurora Development- Commencement of Site Excavation
- Mass grading of the site
- Commencement of the concrete foundations
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Hotel Drawing Set Awards
this is an upcoming stage for Hollywood Casino Aurora DevelopmentAwards are anticipated for all remaining trades between mid-March and the end of June (2024).
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Site Build Begins
this is an upcoming stage for Hollywood Casino Aurora Development -
Target Completion Date - Early 2026
this is an upcoming stage for Hollywood Casino Aurora Development
Videos
- Craig Melby is the President of Viking Brothers, Inc., an Aurora-based construction transportation company. Watch as he talks about the variety of Aurora projects that his company has been part of, including the new Hollywood Casino Aurora development.
- April 5th, 2024 - Mayor Richard C. Irvin proudly presented Viking Brothers, Inc. with the prestigious Mayor’s Award of Excellence. This esteemed recognition celebrates Viking Brothers, Inc. as a longstanding veteran-owned enterprise in Aurora, demonstrating exemplary dedication to providing essential services. Viking Brothers, Inc. has played a pivotal role in the realization of the new Hollywood Casino Aurora Resort, contributing vital assistance during the initial demolition phase by facilitating the responsible hauling of debris at the development site. The Mayor’s Award of Excellence underscores Viking Brothers, Inc.’s commitment to excellence and its significant contributions to the community's development and prosperity.
- April 5th, 2024 - Mayor Richard C. Irvin proudly presented Viking Brothers, Inc. with the prestigious Mayor’s Award of Excellence. This esteemed recognition celebrates Viking Brothers, Inc. as a longstanding veteran-owned enterprise in Aurora, demonstrating exemplary dedication to providing essential services. Viking Brothers, Inc. has played a pivotal role in the realization of the new Hollywood Casino Aurora Resort, contributing vital assistance during the initial demolition phase by facilitating the responsible hauling of debris at the development site. The Mayor’s Award of Excellence underscores Viking Brothers, Inc.’s commitment to excellence and its significant contributions to the community's development and prosperity.
- Pre-construction drone footage.
Photos
FAQs
- WHERE WILL THE NEW CASINO BE LOCATED?
- WHY IS THE CASINO MOVING?
- WHEN WILL THE NEW CASINO OPEN?
- WHAT WILL THIS COST THE CITY OF AURORA?
- HOW MANY JOBS WILL BE CREATED?
- WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE CURRENT DOWNTOWN CASINO?
- HOW MUCH MONEY WILL THE NEW CASINO BRING TO THE CITY OF AURORA?
- WILL THE CASINO AFFECT THE VALUE OF MY HOME?
- HOW CAN THE CASINO MOVE OFF OF THE FOX RIVER?
- WILL THERE BE SIDEWALKS AND BIKE TRAILS?
- WILL THE CASINO INCORPORATE GREEN BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES?