NORTHFIELD: Northfield Park has submitted a zoning application to the village to build a nearly 200,000-square-foot gambling facility next to its current horse track.
The request is a sign that Northfield Park and Hard Rock International are still moving forward with their $275 million racino project that was announced earlier this year.
The two partners have yet to apply for a license from the Ohio Lottery Commission to bring slots-like video lottery terminals to the facility, leading to some whispers and questions about where the project stood. All other track owners in the state have applied for a license.
The only racino in operation in the state right now is Scioto Downs in Columbus.
The zoning application included architectural drawings and artist’s renderings that show details that already had been released in April.
The glitzy facility will feature a 62,252-square-foot gaming floor, comedy club, premium steakhouse, buffet, music venue, Hard Rock Cafe and center bar.
The new construction covers 37.5 acres.
There also will be a 60-foot Hard Rock guitar attached to the one-story building and a “Hard Rock Racino” sign along the tree-lined entrance on state Route 8.
Northfield Park couldn’t be reached for comment.
The application is being reviewed by village officials, said Jason Walters, village service/building and zoning superintendent.
It must be approved by the Planning Commission and Village Council before being passed along to Summit County for a building permit. The county handles building permits for the village.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.
