Residents in Baltimore's Park Heights neighborhood watched on as demolition at Pimlico Race Course began Thursday, July 24, as part of a $400 million project to revitalize the grandstand, barns, track, and clubhouse.

The Maryland Stadium Authority said barns and outbuildings will be the first structures demolished.

Residents said the start of the project is a long time coming, after decades of wondering when the project would break ground. Full redevelopment is expected to be completed in time for the 2027 Preakness Stakes.

"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.    

Park Heights residents are hopeful

Residents in the small, quiet neighborhood of Park Heights, tucked to the side of the grandstand, are hopeful the new track will bring new life to the area.

"It's time for upgrades, so it's OK with me," said Fergus Allison, who has lived in Park Heights since 1979. "To be honest, I do not go to the track, I am not a gambler, but a new building, it will look OK."

A WJZ drone caught some of the demolition happening to some of the barns and auxiliary buildings on Thursday.

Neighbors were out and about watching the action. They said they won't believe the project will be completed until they can see it out their window.

"Maybe 10 years ago, they said they were going to rebuild Pimlico," said Stedford Clark, who lives across from the grandstand. "People sold their houses, but ended up with nothing done. There was another time before that when they said they were going to fix it, and nothing was done. This is the third time. I still don't believe it yet. As soon as I see about ¾ of the work done, I will say yes, they really mean business."

Construction work starting in Park Heights

Despite loud construction outside their homes, many say they aren't bothered or concerned about the noise.

Other worries include heavy-duty trucks driving down the narrow street. Neighbors on Winner Avenue were told these trucks would take an alternate route, but WJZ saw several rumble by.

Allison says he is uncertain about the additional development around the track, including a private developer disrupting the neighborhood. A hotel, event space, and restaurants have already been proposed for the area.

"Are they going to try to acquire these homes? I wouldn't mind leaving, but it's not something that's really on my agenda," Allison said.

Safety remains a top priority, and others are hoping for state aid to revamp their homes to enhance the project outside their front door.

"If they would give some of the residents some loans or something for them to be able to do some work on their homes, so it will enhance the neighborhood, along with the racetrack," Allison said.

Business owner hopes for positive impact

Across Park Heights Avenue sits Yai & Toya's Cuisine, a new soul food restaurant that opened four months ago. Joe Campher, co-owner of the shop, says business has been steady and he is hopeful the project will bring in more customers.

"We know Park Heights is an up-and-coming place, and we just wanted to be part of the revitalization," Campher said. "This community has been here for a long time, and it's a lot of good people here, you know, I understand it's going through some hard times, but we're just hoping that with the help of the mayor and the money that they're putting to this area, that it can bring the area up."

What will Pimlico's renovation look like?

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's 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.

Demolition prep started after the 150th Preakness Stakes

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. 

Where will the Preakness Stakes be held in 2026?

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.