Demolition of the old Pimlico Race Course is under way

Demolition necessary for the redevelopment of Pimlico began Thursday with the razing of the existing barns and outbuildings next to Winner Avenue, the Maryland Stadium Authority announced.

Clark Construction Group, which regularly works with the authority, is tasked with the demolition.

In 2024, the Maryland legislature passed a bill that authorizes the MSA to issue $400 million in bonds to finance, demolish, design and reconstruct Pimlico in Baltimore and to build a new training facility at Shamrock Farm in Carroll County. Design of both facilities is led by Ayers Saint Gross-Populous, and Clark will do the construction.

The demolition package was approved by the MSA board and the Maryland board of public works. After the completion of Preakness 2025, the Maryland Jockey club and all horses moved out of the facility. 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 as necessary, all important steps as part of the demolition process.

The MSA is pleased that structural demolition of the facility began at the end of this week. A ceremonial event to begin tearing down the existing, 65-year-old clubhouse is under development to mark this project milestone later this summer.

As part of the project, MSA will develop an exhibition about the history and significance of Pimlico. The exhibition will use artifacts, oral histories, photographs, salvaged materials and other appropriate graphics for display in the newly constructed clubhouse and publicly accessible spaces on the property and its perimeter. Themes highlighted will include at a minimum the history of Thoroughbred racing in Maryland, Pimlico’s role in the history of the sport, African-American jockeys’ roles in racing, and the history and significance of Preakness.

During the demolition and construction process, all racing and training will occur at Laurel Park. The Preakness will take place at Laurel Park in May 2026. The race is scheduled to return to Pimlico in 2027.