Architectural giant Gensler has provided a new conceptual design plan for historic preservationists determined to rebuild and bring back to life Houston’s Astrodome, the world’s first domed sports venue. The Astrodome, which was officially opened in 1965, has not been used for 15 years.
Unveiled on November 14, the plan is part of the latest effort to revive the nearly 60-year-old structure that was once promoted as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
The Astrodome Conservancy, a civic organization behind the new plan, believes a developer will step forward once funds are committed by Harris County, which owns the site.
To bring the plan to fruition, the county must raise and invest $250 million, the conservancy says, adding that because the Astrodome is a designated historic landmark, redevelopment can leverage significant private dollars in a public-private partnership.
Gensler’s conceptual design presentation showcased his vision for preserving the Astrodome as an icon of Houston’s civic spirit and dynamism.
With its fixed, glass-covered roof that allowed natural grass to grow on the field, the Astrodome’s facilities paved the way for other innovations in stadium design. Rice University historian Douglas Brinkley said it “gave the world a new way to make indoor sports arenas with retractable roofs and ways for visitors to have a comfortable experience.”
Architects Hermon Lloyd and WB Morgan, and Wilson, Morris, Crain and Anderson, designed the stadium along with engineers Walter P. Moore. GR Kiewitt. Louis O. Bass of Roof Structures Inc., designed the roof, which was built by HA Lott.
The Astrodome has waited 15 years for a redevelopment plan.
Photo: Eric Nurse via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0
In 2000, the Houston Astros baseball franchise left to play at Enron Field, now Minute Maid Park. Finding an agreement on how to use the Astrodome has not been easy.
In 2013, Harris County voters rejected a $217 million bond referendum to raise funds to renovate the stadium.
In 2016, county commissioners approved a plan by developer Astrodome Tomorrow, based on a design by architect James Richards Design, that was supposed to cost $94.5 million. He proposed stripping the stadium of the dome to its frame and using it as an outdoor park.
But that plan eventually died.
The new plan, drawn up by Los Angeles-based Gensler, the world’s largest global architecture practice, envisions the renovated Astrodome with 450,000 square feet of revenue generating space with a new event floor. It would also include a pedestrian “boulevard” at floor level.
“The Astrodome can and should be the heartbeat of a new global entertainment destination at NRG Park,” which surrounds the stadium, said Judy Nyquist, a founding board member of the conservancy. “It will be an exciting catalyst for future development in and around the park.”
Inside view of the new plan to preserve and revitalize the Houston Astrodome.
Rendering: Courtesy of Gensler
