Keeneland begins sales pavilion
renovation
Site work has started and construction will begin soon on a
major expansion and renovation of the Keeneland sales pavilion,
which is located on the grounds of the historic racetrack in
Lexington, Kentucky.
The work will be done in three phases so that it will not
interfere with the sales schedule and is slated for completion in
August.
“The comfort of our buyers and sellers is paramount,”
Keeneland President Nick Nicholson said. “Many of our
clients spend long hours in the pavilion. It will be a place
where they can conduct business at the highest level and in an
environment that is comfortable and welcoming.”
The expansion will include a 5,000 square-foot space for the
relocation of the repository, more and larger conference rooms
and a kitchen to service the dining areas.
For the most part, the interior of the pavilion will be
totally renovated. Dining and lounge areas will be reconfigured
and enhanced, and the restrooms will undergo major upgrades.
Other improvements include: Hi-speed wireless internet access
throughout the facility; a new business center with concierge-type
services; new or refurbished seats in the auditorium and
concourse; a new lounge and bar area; a larger press box and
additional media area; a renovated sales counter and sales
office; and an upgraded sound system, message and bid boards.
California-based architect Morio Kow designed the changes to
the facility. Kow, who is the protégé of the building’s
original architect, Arthur Froehlich, was careful to retain the
structure’s unique elements.
“When the pavilion was built in 1969, it was a state-of-the-art
facility,” Nicholson said. “At the time, our longest
sale was four days and much of the technology available today was
non-existent. Our goal is to upgrade the facilities while
maintaining the building’s unique character and extraordinary
architectural elements.”
Sullivan-Cozart, a Louisville, Kentucky-based company involved
in numerous construction projects at Keeneland during the 1970s,
80s and into the 90s, including the original construction of the
sales pavilion, will complete the work.