Some insiders see it as an alternative for temporary gaming, but one source said, “There’s not a lot of evidence that temporary sites work well.” A casino could thrive where a lot already is happening. Can a casino fit with what’s essentially a family destination? But it’s already government-owned and has the waterfront and skyline.

The crowds and attractions are there, but access can deter the high-rollers and conventioneers. Garrison cited it when he said in an email, “We think infill sites are more interesting, that are walkable and part of the urban fabric, and would ultimately become a bigger entertainment destination because it needs to be about more than gambling.” THE SLEEPER: The Palmer House, in foreclosure and temporarily closed due to the pandemic. Nexstar Media Group owns it but the Tribune has a long leasehold on the property, where it also prints the Sun-Times, and would have to be bought out. You could use part of it for a temporary casino while the permanent attraction is built next to it. Two developers who responded to the city, James Letchinger of JDL and Matt Garrison of R2, used the same word to describe it to me: “Interesting.” Access could be improved. THE CURIOSITY: The Chicago Tribune’s Freedom Center printing plant at 777 W. Will quants take a study break to count cards? But the developers have a deal with the University of Illinois to put a tech research center there. “You can build a product there that’s interesting and cool.” It’s got highway access. “This is clearly the site that would make the most revenue for the city and the state,” one source said. THE BLANK SLATE: It’s The 78 in the South Loop, 62 open acres running southwest from Roosevelt Road and Clark Street and ready for all the money magnets you can cram there.

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