Officials at Northville Downs harness racetrack in Plymouth Township, Michigan recently submitted a proposal to build a new $25 million venue including a 54,000-square-foot casino, pending legislative approval.
Northville Downs sold its current site, opened in 1944, to Hunter Pasteur Homes in 2018. That company plans to develop the land for 450 new residences, commercial space and parks, leaving the racetrack to seek a new location. It’s said to be considering a 128-acre tract located within the Michigan International Technology Corridor.
Phase one of the project would include building a half-mile oval harness racetrack; 2-story, 4,900-square-foot grandstand with a large patio; 23,000-square-foot racing building; 35,000-square-foot horse barn; and3,200-square-foot maintenance building.
The gaming facility would be built in a later phase of the project since it would require approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). The Plymouth Township Planning Commission is expected to review the proposal in February. If it’s approved, the plan would move to the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees.
Plymouth Township Supervisor Kurt Heise said, “We’re flattered that Northville Downs would consider us as the site of their new operation. We know horseracing is a lot different in Michigan than it was 100 years ago, and the proposal they’re putting forward is for a much more efficient operation than what they currently have, because the business model has changed. It’s a very environmentally responsible site with as much clean energy and green technology as possible, which is a big leap over what we see right now in Northville.”
Heise added, “As of now, based on what I know, I do support the project and I’ll be advocating for it. It’s very intriguing. I think it would provide a great financial benefit to our taxpayers, and it would be a very exciting entertainment venue for all of us in Wayne County.”
Officials said Northville Downs will continue to offer live racing in 2023 at its current location. The MGCB approved 52 live race dates, from April 7 through September 30. Each live race date must include a minimum of eight and a maximum of 16 races. Simulcast racing will be on April 9, November 23, December 24 and December 25.
