Thanks to the expansion of sports betting and the advent of historical horse racing, horse racing tracks around the country are getting some much-needed TLC—perhaps the most notable example of this is Westar Architects’ remodel of historic Delaware Park Casino & Racing in Stanton, Delaware.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of the renovation is the way in which it was planned. According to Westar, Ron Baumann, president and general manager of the casino at Delaware Park, never gave any input as to what he himself wanted. Rather, he asked patrons what they wanted to see, and the resulting changes are said to have come from their input.
The remodel will open in gradual phases throughout next year, encompassing the entire 80,000-square-foot casino floor and surrounding areas. Red, blue and gray will be the central tones used throughout the property.
The entryway to the casino will be adorned with luxury materials such as herringbone marble floors as well as mirrored chandeliers and Austrian crystal. Patrons will have access to a full swath of gaming offerings, including horse racing, slots, sports betting and table games.
Per Westar, the second phase of the renovation will include a new club and entertainment venue, which will be known as the Arabian Lounge, attracting acts from all over the East Coast and beyond. From there, the state-of-the-art slot area will be easily accessible, accentuated by two impressive barrel vaults overhead. The space will also feature ringed fixtures, creating a grand, almost cathedral-like atmosphere.
Another dining and beverage option called Buck’s Bar will feature an extensive menu of craft beers and cocktails, with mixologists standing by to create the perfect drink for each individual patron. Nearby, the 24-hour Roan and Dun’s Cafe will also be serving up classic East Coast diner-style comfort food. Situated in the middle of the casino, its open-air environment will allow for 360-degree views of the action at all times.
Westar and Delaware Park plan to cater towards its expanding Asian and international clientele as well—a dedicated gaming enclave will include Asian-themed games, and the casino will also feature a noodle bar serving banh mi and other Southeast Asian cuisines.
On top of it all, more surprises are still on the horizon, as Westar hints that multiple aspects of the renovation have yet to be fully revealed.
One of these surprises will be a celebrity-branded restaurant, a la Gordon Ramsay or Wolfgang Puck. Sports betting fans should fear not, as Westar is also planning a large-scale expansion of the property’s sportsbook and bar area. Finally, an all-new gaming space situated on the second floor of the property will also be announced at a later date.
Delaware Park first opened all the way back in June 1937, designed by William DuPont Jr.—one of 23 racecourses he designed—and Donald Ross. The track was expanded and renovated numerous times throughout the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. It was eventually closed in 1982 due to financial difficulties, but reopened in the spring of 1984 under new management. Its slots facility was introduced in December 1995.
Delaware Park Casino & Racing
Owner: Clairvest Group and Rubico Gaming
Design and Architect of Record: Westar Architects
