Chicago, IL — It’s soon to be Halloween year-round in the Windy City, thanks to Universal Studios.

And this installment could indicate more to come for Universal Studios presence around the country, other than in Orlando, Los Angeles or Las Vegas.

Planned to open in 2027, Universal Studios is set to transform an abandoned building at 700 W. Chicago Ave. into “Universal Horror Unleashed,” an immersive, year-round scare destination.

The indoor theme park will feature “terrifying mazes, unforgettable scares, themed bars and unique food and beverage offerings, and a retail space featuring exclusive merchandise,” according to a Universal Studios news release.

It is Universal’s second Horror Unleashed installment, with a Las Vegas location slated to open in August.

The Las Vegas location offers haunted houses based on Universal monsters and horror movie classics like the “The Exorcist” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

In its social media announcement, Universal Studios officials hinted Chicago’s Horror Unleashed attraction could just be the beginning of more locations in the region.

“We’re expanding our universe to the Midwest with a brand-new location of Universal Horror Unleashed in Chicago, Illinois — our first destination in the region.”

“First,” they say?

Of course, this is a beyond exciting announcement, bringing a Universal Studios attraction in a highly populated region. But is this an announcement within an announcement?

Let’s speculate.

A full-fledged Midwest Universal Studios theme park isn’t on my bingo card.

Universal Studios remains in its honeymoon phase over its latest installment: Epic Universe in Orlando, FL.

Needless to say, that was an epic addition to Universal’s theme park lineup. They don’t need to prove anything else.

Universal isn’t going to build any bigger than Epic Universe in the foreseeable future. Now, they’re thinking outside the box, or rather, outside their typical outdoor theme parks.

I don’t foresee Universal Studios building a theme park to that size anywhere else in the United States, due to the nature of building an outdoor, year-round attraction where it can snow and weather becomes an issue.

An indoor, immersive experience is just what the doctor ordered in Chicago.

What’s great about Horror Unleashed is it offers something niche for horror fans, something that can become a must-visit in any horror buff’s visit to Chicago. It’s a one-theme focused attraction that the nation’s third largest city doesn’t consistently experience on a year-round basis.

It’ll be open every day regardless of weather, providing 400 non-seasonal jobs with a potential to generate $1 billion in economic impacts, according to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The Midwest is already fulfilled with world-class theme parks like Cedar Point, Kings Island, Holiday World, Six Flags Great America, Valleyfair and Silver Dollar City.

If anything, Universal Studios will continue building these Horror Unleashed locations, or perhaps other themed indoor spots, moving forward.

The outdoor theme park market in the Midwest is too dense. It’s not a sustainable market for Universal Studios to operate like they would an Islands of Adventure in the Florida heat.

“Universal choosing Illinois didn’t happen by accident,” Gov. J.B Pritzker said in a news release.

“Universal’s decision to make such a significant investment in Illinois is a testament to the state’s unmatched entertainment sector, renowned workforce and strong infrastructure,” he said, adding the project was supported through the state’s EDGE incentive program, “which has helped fortify a positive business climate that draws world-class companies to the state.”

The announcement piggybacks other massive investments in Chicago, including the recent Harry Potter Experience on Michigan Avenue, the Chicago Fire soccer team stadium at The 78, an expansion of 360 Chicago observation deck atop the John Hancock building and the planned Bally’s casino across the street from Universal Horror Unleashed.

Illinois is also home to Six Flags Great America, serving thrill seekers between Chicago and Milwaukee, drawing many thrill seekers this year with the new for 2025 Wrath of Rakshasa dive coaster.

But not soon enough, it is going to be an all-you-can-fear buffet in the heart downtown Chicago.

Block Club Chicago, Chicago Tribune and WGN contributed to this article.