Dome named to National Register of Historic Places

Astrodome workers sort through items and prepare for a "yard sale" that will open to the public Saturday morning. Seats, turf and other Dome items will be up for sale. (Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle) Astrodome workers sort through items and prepare for a "yard sale" that will open to the public Saturday morning. Seats, turf and other Dome items will be up for sale. (Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle) Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 92 Caption Close Dome named to National Register of Historic Places 1 / 92 Back to Gallery

The endangered Astrodome was thrown a possible lifeline as the National Park Service named the world's first domed athletic stadium to its National Register of Historic Places.

The designation granted Thursday does not prevent Harris County from demolishing the building, but does open federal and state tax incentives for rehabilitation. The stadium, opened in 1965, long was called the "eighth wonder of the world."

"We'd say, 'hey great!' but it doesn't impede our ability as far as demolition goes," said Joe Stinebaker, spokesman for Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. "The Dome's status is in limbo. No decision to demolish it or rehabilitate it has been made."

In November, 53 percent of voters turned down a proposed $217 million bond issue to redevelop the Dome, which lost its major clients when the Houston Astros moved to Minute Maid Park and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo relocated to the nearby Reliant Stadium.

Beth Wiedower, the director of the Houston office for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said private developers would be eligible for a 20 percent federal tax credit for investments made in the building. Developers also would get a break on state franchise taxes under a law passed in the 2013 Legislature.