Noting the increase in construction costs related to rates and what an Alentida economy calls, Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI), the Kentucky Derby home, is stopping a construction project of several years and $ 900 million, which it had proposed as the greatest renovation and expansion of the track on the 150 -year -old track track.
The project, announced in February by the company that led the Louisville Horses Race, would have used Calhoun Construction Services as a construction/contractor manager and a settlement as an architect. CDI is the owner of the most profitable race court in the United States, having more than 20 horse and casinos courts in the United States
Calhoun has been responsible for Churchill Downs’s construction/contractor for 11 years and has worked on various projects, including a renewal of $ 180 million from the grandstand, which was completed and presented during the week before May 3, 2025 Kentucky Derby.
The work of $ 900 million that CDI is stopping covers between $ 455 and $ 465 million to rebuild and expand the Skye terrace, which would include the replacement of 11,500 existing seats with 13,300 places; From 320 to 330 million dollars for the replacement of Infield seats in the Conservatory; 60 to 70 million dollars to replace temporary buildings with permanent buildings for the general entry of Infield and 45 to $ 55 million in infrastructure work.
“The decision to delay these construction projects is due to the increase in uncertainty on construction costs related to commercial and fare disputes, as well as current macroeconomic conditions,” CDI said in a statement.
“We understand why they stop and associate with them how to plan and sequence the project for the future,” said Jeff Palcquist, responsible for Calhoun Construction operations.
The racing company is moving forward with Calhoun and Populous on smaller projects that will cost between $ 25 and 30 million. It includes the renewal of the existing arrival line suites, which will update 15 suites overlooking the finish line and increase the capacity of 750 guests; Add a bar and increase the capacity to 300 guests in the trophy room and provide finishes and other updated improvements to the mansion, built in 2013. These projects will be completed until May 2026.
Being in the place ahead of the derby as the projects are presented is an emotion for Palcquist, who likes to see the reactions of the guests at the work, such as the grandstand, which was completed under a adjusted period.
“The schedules are very tight,” he says. “They are always firm and we will not ask them to move the Kentucky Derby again.”
Facultaneously, CDI will oversee the conditions to decide if and when it will advance with the pause work.
“In the coming months, CDI will evaluate the evolution of the economic landscape and evaluate the changes in the calendar and the sequencing of these multi -year projects,” CDI said in a statement.
A reform of Calhoun and Populous of the Paddock of the track that was completed in 2024 won a prize for the best project in the category of sports/entertainment in the regional competition of best regional projects of Enr Midwest. The project included a horseshoe -shaped structure with a second level courtyard, covered seats that flanked the ring, two video boards and two new clubs that offer views of the stops and Paddock.
