Keeneland begins sales pavilion renovation

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.