According to the Houston Chronicle, Harris County Commissioners Court was briefed earlier this week on a $66 million proposal to demolish the Astrodome and replace the stadium with green space. The plan was put forward by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Houston Texans football team. It is not clear how much the proposed demolition would cost county taxpayers or how much the Rodeo and Texans would contribute to the project. Click here to view the 37-page proposal.
The timing is significant because Texas Historical Commission (THC) will consider whether the Astrodome should be designated a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL) at the end of July. Designation as a SAL would not prevent the Astrodome from being altered or demolished, however, Harris County would be required to consult with THC about any proposed actions and THC would determine whether the work would be allowed.
Preservation Houston continues to work with a coalition of interested non-profits, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Houston Mod, to promote the benefits of repurposing the stadium. We will keep our members informed of future developments regarding the Astrodome.