view raw text
New Detroit Track to Be Completely Fireproof Will Use Only Such Materials From Grandstand to Stables DETROIT, Mich., June 9.— The Michigan Racing Associations new ,500,000 thoroughbred racing center, to be ready for the 1950 season, will be completely fireproof from grandstand to stables, vice-president George Haggarty said today. Options have been taken up on the new site at Middlebelt and Schoolcraft Roads, about 14 miles from the Detroit city hall, and actual work on the grounds preparatory to erection of main buildings will be started soon. "Every precaution will be made to keep all buildings completely immune to the dangers of fire," Haggarty said. Stables will be of concrete block and cinder block construction and the grandstand-clubhouse will be of steel framework with walls of concrete, brick, or other fireproof material. "We are having our architects specify no materials shall be used which would enable the plant to be consumed by fire — such as occurred recently when Hollywood Park in California was destroyed." Haggarty said first bids by contractors for construction of the new track would probably be let within two weeks. Engineers are now surveying the land preparatory to the construction of special drainage facilities. The Michigan Racing Association, which has brought 900 top thoroughbreds to the Detroit Fair Grounds for the current 80-day meeting, expects the new Livonia Township track with its 1,200 stalls, to attract an even greater array of runners.
