OAKLAWN COMPLETES PHASE I OF $20 MILLION EXPANSION
Nov. 3, 2014
Phase II Now Under way; To Be Complete by Start of Live Meet
Hot Springs, Ark. (Monday, Nov. 3, 2014) – Oaklawn is a step closer to the completion of its $20 million expansion after opening a key section of its new gaming area this morning.
The new area that opened today includes the new main entrance, foyer, gift shop, Silks Bar, approximately 18,000 square feet of gaming space and substantial back of house support facilities.
Oaklawn will now begin reconstruction and modification of part of the existing gaming area.
The entire project is scheduled to be completed by end of the year. When complete, Oaklawn will have two additional food and beverage facilities – Silks Bar & Grill and Bistro 2705 - as well as an expanded gaming area, which will include a poker room and a high limits area.
The current project began in April of this year. Oaklawn has been racing to complete the project in time for its 2015 live racing season which begins Friday, Jan. 9.
“It would have been impossible to complete a project of this magnitude without dividing it into phases,” said Plant Superintendent John Hopkins, a member of Oaklawn’s Senior Management Team who has spearheaded the expansion.
“Flintco, our construction company, will be working around the clock to finish project by the end of the year,” continued Hopkins. “And, while there may be some inconveniences to our guests during this final phase, the end result will be a bigger and better entertainment experience. We are thrilled to have this new gaming area ready for guests coming to town for the race meet.”
With its expanding building, Oaklawn has already started expanding its staff. A two-day job fair was held in late September and the hiring process in on going to fill positions in gaming, security, housekeeping and food and beverage.
This latest expansion is the second major project that Oaklawn has undertaken in the last six years with the current facility opening in late 2009. The total investment of $60 million is the largest private investment in the history of Hot Springs.
http://oaklawn.com/news/2014/nov/03/...ion-expansion/