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CBS News
6 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Demolition for Baltimore's revamped Pimlico Race Course set to begin
Demolition at Baltimore's historic Pimlico Race Course will begin on Thursday, July 24, with the complete redevelopment expected to be finished in time for the 2027 Preakness Stakes. The Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) says barns and outbuildings will be the first to be torn down. "Through this multi-year transformational project, the Pimlico Race Course will become a year-round racing facility bringing in economic benefits to the surrounding communities and further elevating Maryland, home of the Preakness Stakes, as a premier sports tourism destination," said Craig Thompson, the Chair of the Maryland Stadium Authority. In 2024, the Maryland Stadium Authority authorized $400 million in bonds to reconstruct Pimlico Race Course and build a new training facility at Shamrock Farms in Carroll County. When construction of the track and a portion of the Park Heights neighborhood is complete, Pimlico will be the permanent home of Maryland thoroughbred racing. The facility will be allowed to host more than 100 racing days each year. Aside from making Pimlico a world-class race track, there will be a hotel, event space, and other amenities. The renovated horse track should also support about 500 jobs, according to state leaders. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has said the revitalization will be a big boost to the Park Heights neighborhood. "I think the community is excited about the potential and opportunities in the future," Scott said. In May, the MSA shared the concept design for the new Pimlico Race Course during a Board of Public Works meeting. Pimlico Race Course hosted its 150th Preakness Stakes in May, with heavy-favorite Journalism coming from behind down the stretch to defeat a field of eight other horses. It was the final race at the historic track before demolition. In June, the operator and all horses moved out of Pimlico, according to the MSA. The Maryland State Archives removed and secured existing artifacts from the property, and the MSA and its project partners began securing the Pimlico site by installing temporary fencing, performing pest control, preparing utilities, and conducting abatement for the demolition process. During the demolition and construction process, all racing and training will occur at Laurel Park The 151st Preakness Stakes will take place at Laurel Park in 2026. The 152nd Preakness Stakes is expected to return to Pimlico Race Course in 2027.
Black America Web
08-07-2025
- Business
- Black America Web
New Baltimore: Murder Down, Ravens Up And A $50 Million Grant
A new horizon is making its way over the city of Baltimore, one that's rich in community development, hopeful in the advancement of hometown athletics and by the grace of God experiencing its lowest homicide rate in 50 years for the first half of 2025. Of course, that elevated purview in particular is being credited to Mayor Brandon M. Scott for breathing new life into the city ever since being elected into the position back in 2020. RELATED: The Baltimore Sun Apologizes For Being Rooted In Racism By Founder Arunah S. Abell Mayor Scott took a minute to acknowledge the team effort that went into bringing the Baltimore homicide rate down (seen above), but also made it quite clear that the fight is far from over. 'While we acknowledge the historic lows we are experiencing, we must simultaneously acknowledge that there is much more work to do and our success makes me commit even further to doing it,' he wrote to close out the caption. Those words ring true more than ever, as the past few weeks alone in the Charm City saw a homicide in Southwest District, shooting death in Fells Point, and as of yesterday a murder-suicide in Dundalk — three of the four victims in those separate cases were under the age of 25 years old. Still, a 22% decrease in homicides is definitely a feat worthy of giving Mayor Scott and his department a pat on the back. To put those stats in perspective, there were 28 homicides in April 2023, a total of 12 that occurred in April 2024 and a record low of just five back in April of this year. Maryland Governor Wes Moore is also getting in on the action of advancement in B-more with the approval of a $50 million grant to support vacant property reduction efforts in Baltimore City by way of the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative, also referred to as 'Reinvest Baltimore.' More details on this lucrative investment below, via : ''For this to be Maryland's decade, it has to be Baltimore's time,' said Gov. Moore. 'We know that if we want to drive investment and growth in Baltimore City, we need to address its vacant housing crisis. And the future of these properties will be written in coordination with local leaders – because those closest to the problem are closest to the solution. Together, we will build a more vibrant, prosperous, and growing Baltimore for all.' The State awarded a total of $50 million to help redevelop neighborhoods with a high number of vacant properties. These communities have been prioritized due to their impressive redevelopment potential. The funding has been targeted toward specific recipients with a record of success: $15 million will go to Baltimore City and the Maryland Stadium Authority to demolish, stabilize, and acquire vacant properties for redevelopment; $30 million will go toward 16 community development organizations; and $5 million that will go toward large, mixed-use projects from Fiscal Year 2025 to help carry them into their next phase.' If that wasn't enough good news, sports fans representing the Comeback City will be delighted to know that the Baltimore Ravens are at the top of many projected AFC North rankings. This is in part due to a loaded roster from top to bottom, specifically the synergy between Lamar Jackson (#8) and Derrick Henry (#22). The latter also isn't running it back alone in the least bit, as the backfield is pretty sturdy as well. As Sports Illustrated put it, 'The Ravens have one of the deepest backfields in the entire league, with at least three running backs who should make a significant impact ,' elaborating further by naming Justice Hill (#43) for catching 42 passes for 383 yards and three touchdowns last season, a fully-healed Keaton Mitchell (#34) getting back to an average of eight yards per carry and Rasheen Ali (#26) based on the impressive numbers he put up during his time at Marshall University in West Virginia. From the government to gameplay, it looks like the city of Baltimore is in good hands. Although there's much work to do on all ends, we believe the city will come together to right wrongs of the past and change the global perspective on its community. Ball up top! SEE ALSO
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Preakness 2025: Pimlico is being rebuilt. What's changing and where is the race next year?
The stage is set for the 150th running of the Preakness on Saturday, the final race at Pimlico Race Course before the track undergoes a massive overhaul that will include its demolition and complete rebuild. In June, workers at Pimlico will begin moving out, putting up fences and handling pre-demolition utility work among other steps to get ready for the tear-down. The overhaul was needed because of the track's age. Opened in 1870, the facility has numerous issues, including leaky ceilings, a single elevator that doesn't always work, and a section of the grandstand that had to be condemned in 2019 because it could no longer safely support patrons. The new clubhouse is planned, modeled after the Rawlings Conservatory botanical garden in Druid Hill and the original Pimlico clubhouse that burned down decades ago. It will have a colonnade and rooftop balconies that overlook the track, which Craig Thompson of the Maryland Stadium Authority said is 'a nod to the porches of the original clubhouse.' Barns on the east side of the track will be able to house about 400 horses. Pimlico currently hosts about 15 racing days per year. However, the reconstructed course would feature more than 100 live racing days yearly. In addition, racing and daily training will provide year-round economic activity, entertainment and jobs for the Park Heights community. The oval track at Pimlico will not be rotated or moved from its current alignment. Historians have supported keeping the current racing oval to maintain Pimlico's longstanding tradition. In addition to the new track at Pimlico, a new hotel and event space are planned. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has invested $10 million to support housing, job training, workforce development and other community initiatives in Park Heights. Preakness 2025: Want to make a bet? Here's what you need to know. Preakness 2025 Q&A: FanDuel TV's Gabby Gaudet on Pimlico and family Enter Metallica: Sandman has some hard-rocking fans going into Preakness READERS RESPOND: Here's what people say is their favorite part of Preakness 1/ST Racing president says Triple Crown 'in jeopardy' with current schedule Baltimore-based Henson Development Co. and The NHP Foundation plan a massive redevelopment in the 4600 and 4800 blocks of Park Heights Avenue, near the track. Construction will include an apartment building, 17 single-family detached homes to be sold, and new water, sewer and street infrastructure across 17 acres. The new race course is expected to generate $52.7 million in state economic activity, including $48.8 million in Baltimore City, according to the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority. The facility will also support about 500 jobs and be a year-round hub of economic activity in Park Heights, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said. The Pimlico upgrade is expected to cost $400 million, paid by state bonds. The Board of Public Works — which includes Moore, Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Treasurer Dereck Davis — approved $14.3 million for the demolition and start of construction. The board approved about $890,000 in pre-construction work in October. In addition, the state also approved nearly $4.5 million to purchase that training site, which will be known as 'Shamrock,' in Woodbine. The Preakness will move to Laurel Park in 2026, and if the rebuild remains on schedule, a new Pimlico will welcome the historic race back in May 2027. Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@ or on X as @ToddKarpovich.
NBC Sports
10-05-2025
- Business
- NBC Sports
Maryland board OKs plan to start demolition to rebuild Pimlico Race Course shortly after Preakness
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A Maryland board approved a $14.3 million contract on Wednesday to begin the demolition and rebuilding of Baltimore's storied but antiquated Pimlico Race Course, home to the second jewel of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes. The vote by the three-member Board of Public Works, which includes Gov. Wes Moore, was made 10 days before the 150th Preakness Stakes, which is scheduled for May 17. It will be the last time the annual horse race will be held with the existing structures in place before the track is rebuilt on the same site. The demolition will begin shortly after this year's race. 'There cannot be a better time to announce the beginning of a transformation that will allow Pimlico to become a year-round hub for economic activity within the Park Heights community,' Moore said of the Baltimore neighborhood and longtime home of the race. Under the plan, the Preakness will take place in Laurel Park, located just southwest of Baltimore, in 2026 while the new facility is built, before returning to Pimlico in time for the 2027 race. Craig Thompson, the chair of the Maryland Stadium Authority which is overseeing the design of the new track, said the plan is to make Pimlico the home of Maryland thoroughbred racing. The track will go from hosting about 15 races a year to well over 100, Thompson said. 'This is more than just about a racetrack, as historic and important as it is,' Thompson said. 'This is about bringing hundreds of millions of dollars in state investments to Park Heights.' Thompson also shared a preview of the design plans. They include a new clubhouse with architecture inspired by the Rawlings Conservatory in Baltimore's Druid Hill park and the original Pimlico Clubhouse, which included a colonnade and rooftop balconies, Thompson said. Last year, the board approved a deal to transfer ownership of Pimlico from The Stronach Group to the State of Maryland in order to ensure the Preakness remains in Baltimore. The state has been wrestling with what to do to restore the old racetrack for decades. Aptly nicknamed Old Hilltop, the track opened in 1870. It's where Man o' War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat and many others pranced to the winner's circle. But its age has long been a concern. In 2019, the Maryland Jockey Club closed off nearly 7,000 grandstand seats, citing the 'safety and security of all guests and employees.' The horse racing industry and other equine industries have been a cornerstone of Maryland agriculture, as well as an integral part of preserving green space.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Maryland Governor Unveils Plans For New Pimlico Race Course, Training Center
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and the Board of Public Works have approved a demolition package for Pimlico Race Course and the acquisition of Shamrock Farm in Carroll County to serve as the premier training center hub of Thoroughbred racing in Maryland. The actions mark a critical step forward in growing local and statewide economies, in addition to promoting the future of Thoroughbred racing in the state. 'Today we take another step toward a new, reimagined Pimlico,' said Gov. Moore. 'I thank my colleagues on the Board of Public Works, the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland Stadium Authority, the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority, and our local community partners for securing the future of Preakness in Maryland. Together, we will continue to drive economic growth in Park Heights, throughout Baltimore, and across the entire state.' During the meeting, representatives from the Maryland Stadium Authority revealed the design concept for Pimlico Race Course, which will begin demolition and restoration following Preakness 150 on May 17. 'We are excited to deliver a new, modern Pimlico for racing fans and the Park Heights community,' said Maryland Stadium Authority Chairman Craig Thompson. 'But this work is bigger than a racetrack, as historic and important as it is. This is about bringing hundreds of millions of dollars in state investment to Park Heights and working in partnership with MEDCO and the local community to realize a shared vision for the future.' The Maryland Stadium Authority — in partnership with The Maryland Jockey Club and the Park Heights community — will oversee the construction of the new Pimlico Race Course. The new facility will support approximately 500 jobs and will be a year-round hub of economic activity in Park Heights. Pimlico, which currently hosts about 15 racing days per year, will become the permanent home of Maryland Thoroughbred racing with well over 100 racing days annually. The site design unveiled today will also create a strong and consistent identity, with a new clubhouse inspired by grand Baltimore landmarks such as the Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park and the original Pimlico Clubhouse. The approved acquisition of Shamrock Farm sets in motion one of the largest state investments in Carroll County in recent history, following a two-year investigation of more than eight sites across six Maryland counties. The State of Maryland will direct at least $110 million to the new training center, which will offer 328 pastoral acres to create a best-in-class training facility with more than 800 boarded horses, housing for backstretch workers, and a training track with dimensions identical to those at Pimlico. 'Two years ago, we were tasked with creating and implementing a sustainable thoroughbred racing strategy for the state,' said Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority Chairman Greg Cross. 'I'm proud to say that we have completed our work ahead of schedule. Pimlico is safely in state hands, we set up a nonprofit operator to run the track, and at Shamrock Farm we have the ideal location for a world-class training center.' The Shamrock Farm acquisition is supported by the Carroll County government, which has agreed to commit $1.5 million to offset infrastructure costs. 'Carroll County is thrilled Shamrock Farm has been selected as the site for Maryland's horse racing training facility,' said Carroll County Board of Commissioners President Kenneth A. Kiler. 'Shamrock's 328 acres combined with Carroll's rich equestrian tradition brings well-deserved notoriety to this beautiful farm and the area. We are honored to be playing such an integral role in this long-term endeavor. The county has committed 1.5 million dollars to the state project and is looking forward to seeing the plans come to fruition
