Project of the Year Feature: New Construction – Chicago (Above $20M)
January xxx, 2026
BURR RIDGE – CISCO’s 1st 2025 Project of the Year Feature is the top choice of New Construction – Chicago (Above $20M), which is the Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino and Hotel. General contractor was O’Neil-BOWA Construction; client was Wind Creek Illinois LLC.
When considering submissions, judging criteria is based on: quality of construction, design, impact on the community and safety record.
The Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino and Hotel is a transformative development redefining entertainment in the Midwest. Spanning 715,000 sq ft across a 20-acre site in East Hazel Crest and Homewood, IL, this $319 million project includes a 258,000 sq ft casino with 1,400 gaming stations, multiple dining and retail spaces, and back-of-house facilities. The adjacent 16-story, 220,000 sq ft hotel tower features 255 keys, a full-service spa, skyline restaurant and lounge, and a dramatic indoor water feature. The property also includes a multi-level enclosed parking garage with 1,424 stalls and 532 surface spaces, integrated with landscaping and irrigation systems.
Delivered under an aggressive schedule, the project was strategically phased to prioritize the casino, garage, and sitework for early opening, followed by the hotel. Despite complex logistics and shared infrastructure between phases, the team delivered high-quality results on time, setting a new benchmark for hospitality construction in the region.
Architectural, Engineering and Construction Excellence
• Custom Lighting Systems: Months of planning with lighting designers ensured flawless installation of intricate, one-of-a-kind lighting features throughout the casino floor and lobby.
• Gaming Infrastructure: O’Neil-Bowa coordinated mechanical and electrical systems for over 1,300 gaming machines on a raised-access casino floor, requiring precision and phased sequencing.
• Innovative Technology: Utilized VDC tools (Revit, Navisworks, SketchUp) for 3D modeling and clash detection; Cupix 360° imagery for real-time collaboration; Procore for QC and safety tracking; and drones for site verification and MEP layout accuracy.
• Craftsmanship: Delivered high-end finishes, including custom ceiling systems and art installations, through rigorous QC inspections and trade coordination.
Safety Record
The project required a major emphasis on safety given the scale and intricacies of the construction. A full-time safety professional was instituted for the life of the project to help plan work, conduct safety orientations, manage documentation, and serve as a subject matter expert for both the O’Neil-Bowa Construction team and our trade partners. Project superintendents served as the primary safety managers for their portions, with the safety professional available for support. W.E. O’Neil Concrete also self-performed the 16-story cast-in-place concrete hotel tower and other interior portions of the job, such as the FFE in the casino, which were completed safely and successfully.
A comprehensive, site specific, safety program was put into place before preconstruction began. The safety program was specifically tailored to the Wind Creek project and included the following:
• Daily safety talks each morning to discuss the day’s tasks, safety hazards and corrective actions.
• Safety orientation for all employees
• Pre-installation meetings to identify potential safety concerns and plan methods for completing the work.
• Pre-construction meetings with Project Manager, Project Superintendent, and Safety Director to review scope, identify safety hazards, and develop corrective actions
• Safety lunches provided for good safety practices
• Site-specific safety manuals developed by all trade partners in congruence with W.E. O’Neil-Bowa standards.
• Project-wide 6-foot fall protection rule which is above and beyond OSHA standards.
• Review of subcontractor site-specific safety plan in preconstruction to assure that all subcontractors meet the safety requirements for the project.
• Weekly Inspections by each superintendent of their area. Monthly audits conducted by all members of the W.E. O’Neil-Bowa team to keep everyone aware and involved.
The Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino and Hotel team put a major emphasis on managing safety for the hundreds of workers who were on site simultaneously, and in doing so, completed a safe and successful project.
Community Impact:
Wind Creek exceeded its 30 percent Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal, achieving 34.71 percent, creating hundreds of construction jobs and generating significant economic impact for East Hazel Crest and Homewood.
Permanent Employment: Wind Creek Chicago Southland is expected to create more than 1,000 full-time jobs in fields ranging from hospitality to technology. Roles will include security, gaming attendants, food service, IT technicians, and environmental services—reinforcing Wind Creek’s commitment to strengthening the local economy.
Regional Economic Benefit: The project introduced a premier entertainment destination that will drive tourism and local revenue for years to come, while fostering workforce development and training opportunities for long-term career growth. Homewood and East Hazel Crest benefit from gambling revenue, along with 42 other south suburban communities, funding essential local services and infrastructure improvements within the immediate and surrounding communities.
Meeting Complex Challenges:
The site straddled two municipalities with differing approval processes, requiring extensive coordination to maintain compliance and continuity. Phased sequencing allowed casino operations to begin while hotel construction continued, demanding meticulous planning and resource allocation. Early turnover of key spaces, including the Food Hall and back-of-house areas, was achieved without impacting the overall schedule.
