Demolition Of Structures At Pimlico Begins

Structural demolition necessary for the redevelopment of Pimlico Race Course began July 24 with the razing of the existing barns and outbuildings adjacent to Winner Avenue. Clark Construction Group, the Maryland Stadium Authority’s construction manager, is tasked with the demolition.

 In 2024, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation authorizing the MSA to issue $400 million in bonds to finance, demolish, design, and reconstruct Pimlico and to build a new training facility at Shamrock Farm in Carroll County. Design of both facilities is led by Ayers Saint Gross/Populous and Clark Construction Group is tasked with the construction.

The demolition package was approved by the MSA Board of Directors and the Maryland Board of Public Works in May 2025. After the successful completion of the 150th Preakness Stakes, the operator and all horses moved out of the facility, 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 as necessary and important steps as part of the demolition process.

A ceremonial event to commence the demolition of the existing clubhouse is under development to mark this important project milestone later this summer.

As part of the project, MSA will develop an exhibition about the history and significance of Pimlico. The exhibition will use artifacts, oral histories, photographs, salvaged materials, and other appropriate graphics for display in the newly constructed clubhouse and the publicly accessible spaces on the property and its perimeter. Themes highlighted will include, at a minimum, the history of Thoroughbred racing in Maryland; Pimlico’s role in the history of Thoroughbred racing, African American jockeys’ roles in Thoroughbred racing; and the history and significance of Preakness.

 A high-level demolition schedule is available on MSA’s website in the presentation provided at the recent Pimlico Community Advisory Board meeting. MSA encourages residents and businesses near the Pimlico project to sign-up for the monthly community newsletter for information on upcoming construction activities, outages and major impacts, project milestones, plus bid and employment opportunities.

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 and the 152nd Preakness Stakes is expected to return to Pimlico in 2027.

 “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 premiere sports tourism destination,” MSA Chairman Craig A. Thompson said.

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