Photo courtesy of HYM Investment Group

What: Suffolk Downs
Where: 525 McClellan Highway, East Boston
Built: 1935
Owner: HYM Investment Group 

The East Boston racetrack where thoroughbreds’ hoofbeats thundered for 84 years is now available to the public for recreation as plans proceed for a 16.2-million-square-foot redevelopment. 

The Track at Suffolk Downs opened July 28 and will host bi-weekly run clubs on Sundays, with additional events and activations planned in coming weeks. The track is open from dawn to dusk daily for runners, exercisers and dog-walkers. Free parking is available at 525 McClellan Highway. 

Boston-based Artists For Humanity, which provides opportunities for area teens through paid art projects, designed a temporary installation, “The Window Walk,” which decorates the windows of the former grandstand building. 

HYM Investment Group has approvals from Boston and Revere officials for a 16.2 million-square-foot mixed use development, including 10,000 housing units. The developer plans to break ground later this year on a $500 million lab and biomanufacturing building near the Beachmont MBTA station in Revere, part of the 1.75 million-square-foot first phase of development. 

They Said It: 

“Suffolk Downs is on its way to creating housing, jobs and economic development, while becoming a true community resource for East Boston and Revere. As we continue to make significant progress building this neighborhood, we’re excited to offer The Track as an open space for the community to get outside and experience this amazing outdoor space together.” 

— Thomas N. O’Brien, managing director, HYM Investment Group