Belmont Racetrack Development

overview

Inspired by the flowing form of a ribbon—the traditional symbol of victory—the design for the new Belmont Park integrates advanced engineering to enhance functionality, guest experience and the site’s legacy as a premier racing destination. Spanning 300,000 square feet, the new five-level facility reimagines the historic racetrack as a modern, multi-functional venue, accommodating 7,500 guests in the main grandstand and up to 50,000 during special events. 

We are providing structural design and facade consulting services to Populous for the transformative redevelopment of the park, which is home of the iconic Belmont Stakes. Our innovative structural and façade solutions position Belmont Park as a world-class racing and event venue. By balancing modern engineering with more than a century of racing tradition, the redeveloped facility optimizes the experience for owners, trainers, jockeys and guests, solidifying its status as the national racing destination of choice.

highlights

• The structural design features a steel-framed superstructure, optimized for a variety of programmatic spaces, including club areas, dining venues, private suites and indoor/outdoor experiences.
• A standout element is the expansive canopy atop the fifth-level outdoor terrace, engineered to provide unobstructed views of the racetrack while resisting wind and environmental loads. We utilized advanced computational modeling to streamline the canopy’s complex geometry, ensuring structural efficiency and material optimization.
• To further engage public access to viewing the horses and jockeys, a ramp was placed through the structure for the racehorses to walk from the paddock to the track. People can line the sides of the ramp to view their champions and observe from above by an exterior walkway.
• The façade system enhances the ribbon-inspired aesthetic with a high-performance curtain wall that balances transparency, energy efficiency and durability. The canopy’s cladding integrates seamlessly with the structural frame, using lightweight materials to achieve the flowing design while ensuring constructability and resilience against environmental loads.
• The project prioritizes sustainability by preserving and expanding Belmont Park’s cherished green spaces. Infield access points increase usable outdoor space by nearly fivefold, enhancing the site’s flexibility for events.
• We utilized portions of the 1960s building's foundations to minimize demolition and environmental impact. The reduced building footprint supports the park’s role as a community and racing hub while respecting its historical significance.