The Maryland Stadium Authority issued an RFP late last week for construction management services for the redevelopment of Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness Stakes. Following passage of the Maryland Racing & Community Improvement Act last June, the MSA is authorized to finance up to $375M for planning, design and construction of Pimlico. The legislation ensures that the Preakness will stay at the 150-year old venue, which had been in doubt. In '19, track owners The Stronach Group had to close the North Grandstand because the 125-year old structure couldn’t safely support the 6,000-plus patrons it was intended to hold. The track’s main clubhouse hasn’t had a major renovation since it was built in 1960.
The RFP seeks a construction management firm to provide preconstruction services in advance of the work, and if preconstruction process goes well, the construction manager could land the job for the actual work on the 110-acre facility as well, an estimated $160M contract.
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The RFP’s minority business enterprise participation goals for preconstruction services are 29% of overall companies involved, including 8% for African-American firms and 11% women-owned firms. A virtual pre-proposal conference will take place on Feb. 12, followed by site visits Feb. 16-17. The RFP closes March 15. The Pimlico revitalization work is part of a larger project that will also see major renovations at another Stronach-owned horse racing facility, Laurel Park. An RFP for that work will be posted at a later date.
