Medinah Temple, a historic Moorish-style landmark in Chicago’s Near North Side, is preparing for a new chapter as its role as a temporary casino concludes. Located on Wabash Avenue, the 132,600-square-foot building has hosted a variety of events since its construction more than a century ago, including the annual Shrine Circus and recording sessions for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. After narrowly avoiding demolition around the year 2000, it previously functioned as a furniture store before opening as a temporary casino in September 2023.

Albert Friedman, a veteran real estate developer renowned for revitalizing the Near North Side and often referred to as the “Mayor of River North,” is now considering various options for the property’s future. At 77, Friedman is in his second tenure as owner of the landmark building and expressed openness to multiple possibilities, including transforming Medinah Temple into an experiential venue featuring a boutique hotel or a physical retail space catering to online brands.

Friedman’s career in real estate began in 1970 with a modest portfolio that included two inherited properties and a family hot dog stand on North Clark Street. Over five decades, his company, Friedman Properties, has expanded to manage more than 50 buildings totaling approximately 5 million square feet, largely through renovating historic structures in the area.

The casino operation at Medinah Temple is set to conclude next year when Bally’s Gaming is scheduled to move into its permanent Illinois facility. Following Bally’s departure, the building will once again require reinvention to maintain its relevance and economic viability in Chicago’s evolving urban landscape. Friedman emphasized a commitment to finding the “highest and best use” for the site, reflecting his track record of adaptive reuse and creative development in the city.