State board OKs permanent building at Saratoga

The New York Racing Association on Monday received approval from a state oversight board to construct a permanent building at the head of the clubhouse at Saratoga Race Course to replace what has been a temporary, tent-like structure.

The four-story building, including a basement for a kitchen, will be constructed between the 2018 and 2019 meets, NYRA said. It will replace the At The Rail tent, which has been erected for several years on a temporary basis just past the finish line of the clubhouse side of the grandstand, featuring good views of the stretch and the first turn.

The permanent building will have three stories for seating, in a total of 36,000 square feet of space. It will be climate controlled and feature “differentiated hospitality options and modern amenities,” NYRA said in a release.

NYRA needed the approval of the New York State Franchise Oversight Board to begin construction of the facility. The oversight board was created in 2010 to monitor aspects of NYRA’s operations, including renovations to Saratoga, a 155-year-old racetrack that is considered one of the most architecturally unique racing facilities in the world.

“The new building will address the modern-day needs of Saratoga Race Course while honoring its history,” said NYRA chief executive Chris Kay, in a statement. “We have taken great care to ensure that the building is historically consistent with the fabled architecture of our grandstand and clubhouse.”

Prior to obtaining approval from the oversight board, NYRA had sought the approval of the Saratoga Spring Preservation Foundation, which endorsed the plan. The building was also approved by the Saratoga Race Course Local Advisory Board, NYRA said.

The 40-day Saratoga meet is scheduled for July 20-Sept. 3 this year.