Derby City Gaming Downtown is an incredibly important project for the city of Louisville, Kentucky. It has become the cornerstone of redevelopment in the city’s core, sparking new projects in the surrounding area. It’s a career highlight for Westar Architects, who repurposed a closed 1970s bank building into a jewel the city is using to promote its rebirth.

The facade is clad in glowing red cut-out roses, as a nod to the Kentucky Derby winners and a beacon of hope for a fun night out on the town. The corner LED panel creates three-dimensional scenes of horse racing. It has quickly become a must-see attraction to add to the other landmarks in Louisville.

The building contains a feminine Wine and Charcuterie Bar based upon a fascinator theme draped in botanicals, pinks and creams. The Trophy Bar features an amazing collection of bourbon, leather furnishings and an outdoor smoking lounge.

The casino features 500 slot machines, a sports bar, and outdoor smoking slots, all anchored by a champagne bubble light fixture that celebrates your victories.

And patrons love to stop by and take a picture with a life-sized replica of the Kentucky Derby trophy.

OWNER-OPERATOR: CHURCHILL DOWNS INC.
ARCHITECT OF RECORD, INTERIOR DESIGN: WESTAR ARCHITECTS