Calder announces plan to demolish grandstand building

Calder Casino announced a demolition plan of the facility’s grandstand building and attached structures. The project will not affect the adjacent casino building or other non-attached racing structures.

The Stronach Group (TSG), CDI, and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA) signed an agreement last year as a long-term solution to preserve racing in South Florida on a year-round basis, which included a lease of certain parts of Calder’s property to TSG to conduct racing.

The seven-story structure, built in 1971, would require extensive short-term and long-term capital updates. As demand for racing has decreased over the years, so has the need for space to accommodate racing guests. The size of the structure became unnecessary, as evidenced by condensing of operations and the decision to not include the structure as part of the lease agreement with TSG.

For the 2015 meet, Gulfstream officials will utilize the sixth and seventh floors of the existing grandstand to conduct its operations. Demolition of the structure will begin after the 2015 meet.

This story was originally published July 29, 2015 at 11:39 PM with the headline "Calder announces plan to demolish grandstand building."