The Chicago Bears began demolition Friday of the grandstand exterior at the former Arlington International Racecourse — considered for many years to be one of the most beautiful racetracks in the country.
The Bears have plans to build an enclosed football stadium on the site as part of a $5 billion housing and entertainment district. But team officials have said they will not build there unless they get an agreement on property taxes and public subsidies for infrastructure such as roads and utilities.
The team began demolition of the interior of the grandstand on May 30. Piles of rubble could be seen on the paddock track, where spectators previously could see horses up close before they raced.
The village of Arlington Heights and Cook County approved the permits to begin tearing down the grandstand and related structures.
There are more than 30 buildings or structures on the property, including stables, offices and dorms where jockeys, trainers and their families used to live. Future permits will be required for additional demolition.
Demolition will take place in phases over several months and detonation will not be used, village officials said. It is anticipated that demolition will be completed in December. Increased truck traffic due to the demolition is possible and the property will be monitored by security around the clock.
The Bears issued a schedule that calls for demolition to continue inside the grandstands, first on the east side, then the west side. That is to be followed by destruction of concrete slabs in the grandstand, then other structural elements, with the grand, cantilevered canopy or roof coming down last.
The office, paddock, and jockey buildings are to be razed beginning this fall and conclude by end of year.
The Bears bought the 326-acre property this year from Churchill Downs Inc., which closed the track in 2021 after buying into nearby Rivers Casino in Des Plaines.
Updates on the activities will be made at www.vah.com/arlingtonpark.
