Churchill Downs Inc. has announced its plans to open a new entertainment facility in Downtown Louisville, which the company officials have named the Derby City Gaming Downtown. It will be a historical racing machine facility that is similar to slot machines, but based on historical racing results.
This new entertainment venue will occupy 43,000 square feet and will be located at 140 S. Fourth St. at the corner West Market. Also since the location of Derby City Gaming Downtown is close to the former U.S Bank building, the facility will be rebuilt into the former Bank building.
Also Read US$13 million Los Angeles Low Flow Diversion project
The design of the Derby City Gaming Downtown facility will include 500 historical racing machines, a fresh-air arena for gaming, and a parking space with a capacity of over 200 vehicles. In addition to the historical racing machines, the facility will also have three bars; a sports bar at the main level that will be equipped with a platform for live entertainment and music; a wine lounge, and a bourbon library.
On the street level of the Derby City Gaming Downtown facility, a retail and merchandise store will be built. This will allow the guests the opportunity to shop for Kentucky Derby-themed merchandise. The development is expected to create 450 jobs; of which 350 will be construction related jobs and the remaining 100 jobs will be permanent. There is also a partnership between the company and OneWest, a community Organization; to make these jobs available to the people living in Louisville as well as provide training and social support services that improve workforce development.
Messer Construction Co., who are adept in handling complex commercial building projects, will oversee the construction of the Derby City Gaming Downtown facility. Churchill Downs Inc. is also committed to ensuring that minority contractors and women will be part of the team offering services during the construction. Construction of the facility is expected to commence this year, with an opening period planned for the first quarter of 2023.
The Louisville Mayor, Greg Fischer expressed his gratitude to Churchill Downs for their commitment, belief and investment in the city. Fischer also said, “Derby City Gaming Downtown will bring even more life to Fourth Street with just shy of an acre’s worth of space for more entertainment offerings, another stop for bourbon fans, a shopping outlet for Kentucky Derby merchandise and permanent jobs to downtown.”
