The Chicago Bears started demolition Friday of the grandstand exterior on the former Arlington International Racecourse — thought-about for a few years to be probably the most lovely racetracks within the nation.
The Bears have plans to construct an enclosed soccer stadium on the location as a part of a $5 billion housing and leisure district. But group officers have stated they won’t construct there except they get an settlement on property taxes and public subsidies for infrastructure similar to roads and utilities.
The group started demolition of the inside of the grandstand on May 30. Piles of rubble may very well be seen on the paddock observe, the place spectators beforehand might see horses up shut earlier than they raced.
The village of Arlington Heights and Cook County permitted the permits to start tearing down the grandstand and associated buildings.
There are greater than 30 buildings or buildings on the property, together with stables, places of work and dorms the place jockeys, trainers and their households used to dwell. Future permits might be required for extra demolition.
Demolition will happen in phases over a number of months and detonation won’t be used, village officers stated. It is anticipated that demolition might be accomplished in December. Increased truck visitors because of the demolition is feasible and the property might be monitored by safety across the clock.
The Bears purchased the 326-acre property this yr from Churchill Downs Inc., which closed the observe in 2021 after shopping for into close by Rivers Casino in Des Plaines.
Updates on the actions might be made at www.vah.com/arlingtonpark.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com