Delaware Park Casino & Racing
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 stateof-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
10 CASINO STYLE 2022