Keeneland's 2026 Spring Meet to Feature New Paddock Building with Matthew Carter Interiors

Keeneland will launch its 2026 Spring Meet on April 3 with the introduction of a new Paddock Building, designed to honor the venue's racing legacy while providing modern hospitality facilities for year-round use. The architecture was handled by Populous, with interior design led by Lexington-based Matthew Carter of Matthew Carter Interiors. Carter, who typically focuses on residential projects but has worked with Keeneland for over a decade, drew inspiration from gardens, historical designers like Billy Baldwin and William Hodgins, and the site's own history. He aimed to create spaces that feel warm and comfortable, using scale, materials, and textures to achieve this effect. The interiors include several distinct rooms: the 1936 Room, Sycamore Room, Dogwood Room, Ivy Room, and a rooftop dining area. Materials such as limestone and wood paneling were selected, with unique color and pattern choices for each space. Carter emphasized avoiding overly safe design decisions, scaling patterns appropriately for larger event rooms. Custom carpets were designed from scratch to ensure the desired texture and appearance. A cohesive aesthetic was maintained through thoughtful curation, with the signature 'Keeneland Green' color incorporated subtly in elements like pillows, light fixtures, and wallpaper rather than as a dominant paint color. The building previously housed executive offices, and the redesign incorporates historical touches, including an art collection and sconces. Carter noted the inclusion of vintage horse engravings in the 1936 Room, which were unexpectedly placed below wall sconces. The project reflects Carter's approach of not over-planning every detail, allowing for organic design decisions. The overall goal was to blend hospitality with personalized, residential-inspired touches that respect Keeneland's heritage.