Architectural renderings show that Hialeah Park, a flamingo sanctuary and the first greyhound pari-mutuel racetrack in the U.S., will largely retain its original, 1920s exterior design after the construction of a new casino is complete, Curbed reported.
The $100 million casino, built on the site of an abandoned grandstand, is set to open this summer, with 870 shot machines, 20 poker tables, three dominoes tables, three restaurants and two bars, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
Hialeah Park won a slot license in 2010, as The Real Deal reported, which was expected to help the park turn a profit.
The racetracks, an early draw to South Florida for the U.S.’ wealthy elite, opened in 1925 but have deteriorated since John Brunetti closed the park down in 2001. Its lush gardens draw so many flamingos that the park has been designated a flamingo sanctuary by the Audubon Society. The park’s formal garden will be replaced by a driveway, but an iconic flamingo fountain will be preserved as will as its bougainvillea-covered arches, according to EwingCole renderings published on the park’s Facebook page. [Curbed] –Emily Schmall