Belterra Park Gaming

Belterra Park Gaming, formerly known as River Downs, is a racino in Anderson Township just outside the southeast limits of Cincinnati, Ohio. The track features seasonal live thoroughbred and year-round simulcast racing, plus a restaurant.

The construction included a large open floor plan for gaming and entertainment areas, a grandstand structure for spectators, a casino and gaming facility, a horse track, and lower level parking. For the gaming facility, a 4-inch topping slab was poured after under-slab utilities were installed for video slot machines.

The project presented a long list of challenges for construction, starting with the location. The casino is located on the banks of the Ohio River in an area prone to flooding. This location prompted designers to elevate the gaming floor above the 100-year flood elevation. A concrete structure, designed on deep foundations, concrete pile caps, concrete columns, and a 12-inch-thick concrete slab, was the solution to flooding concerns.

We started pouring foundations in March, with the first elevated deck pour scheduled one month later. As construction progressed, Lithko overcame weather challenges, as well as an addition of 70,000 square feet, without modifying the contract completion date. We performed in spite of incomplete project documents, an aggressive schedule and the threat of liquidated damages. In the end, Lithko was viewed as an important team member and a valued partner.