As Kentucky Downs Casino faced rapid growth and aging infrastructure, the facility launched major north and south expansion programs in 2019 to improve capacity and enhance the guest experience. These improvements included two significant building additions to expand gaming floor space, upgrade amenities such as restaurants and bars and introduce a high‑end hotel offering. Supporting these facility upgrades required extensive site reconfiguration, including major changes to parking, lighting, drainage and utility systems to support increased demand and future operational flexibility.
What challenges did STV address?
The expansions demanded a comprehensive approach to site infrastructure, balancing the need for new facilities with the constraints of an active entertainment venue. STV needed to regrade and redesign the parking areas without disrupting operations, ensure adequate stormwater capacity for larger impervious surfaces and modernize outdated lighting and utility systems – all while enabling future growth through flexible expansion zones.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV engineered a built-up fill section to maintain consistent pavement grades across existing and new parking zones, ensuring a seamless circulation experience for patrons. The team conducted pre-‑ and post-development drainage analyses and designed two new detention basins to accommodate increased stormwater runoff. Parking areas were redesigned and expanded, with approximately 630 new spaces added, improving flow, accessibility and overall site functionality. STV also upgraded lighting to a 1.0 ft‑candle standard and coordinated select utility improvements to meet the needs of the expanded facility.
How does this project benefit the region?
The Kentucky Downs expansions strengthen an important regional economic driver, enhancing tourism, improving local employment opportunities and creating a more welcoming and efficient experience for visitors. The infrastructure upgrades support long-term growth, improve safety and accessibility and ensure the casino can continue contributing to the region’s entertainment and economic landscape.
Key stats and accolades
- 82,000 sf of building expansions
- 630 new parking spaces added
- 1.0 ft‑candle lighting upgrades for safety and visibility
- Redesigned and regraded parking circulation
- Two new stormwater detention basins supporting expanded operations
