Texas Historical Commission (THC) voted January 27 voted to designate the Astrodome a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL). Officially known as the Harris County Domed Stadium, the Astrodome joins other Texas icons, including the Alamo and the State Capitol, as SAL-designated sites.
County Commissioners approve initial step in Astrodome preservation project
On Sept. 27, Harris County Commissioners voted unanimously to begin a significant renovation project that should preserve the Astrodome.
Commissioners Court approved $10.5 million as the first step in a proposed $105 million plan that includes raising the Dome's floor to create two levels of parking that would allow the stadium to generate income as soon as possible. Officials believe the planned alterations will make the Astrodome suitable for festivals and conventions while preserving most of the Dome's interior volume.
Proposed first phase of Astrodome redevelopment released
Harris County's Engineering Department has presented Commissioners Court with a preliminary report on the proposed revitalization of the Astrodome. The initial phase of the project would raise the floor of the stadium to grade level, which would help meet the needs of events including the Offshore Technology Conference, which require additional programmable space. Two levels of parking would be created beneath the new ground-level floor; the parking areas will generate income that can be put back into the project.
Astrodome advocacy wins national award
Preservation Houston, Houston Mod, National Trust for Historic Preservation, AIA Houston and Houston Arts & Media are sharing the Docomomo US Advocacy Award of Excellence for the coordinated effort to promote the preservation and repurposing of the Harris County Domed Stadium, better known as the Astrodome.