Astrodome parking plan could save Houston's historic 8th Wonder Proposed $105 million plan would turn part of the Dome into a parking garage

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events, and other uses in the future. The plan was presented to commissioners June 28, 2016. Here are the schematics for what such a project could look like. less Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events, ... more Photo: Courtesy: Harris County Engineering Dept. Photo: Courtesy: Harris County Engineering Dept. Image 1 of / 78 Caption Close Astrodome parking plan could save Houston's historic 8th Wonder 1 / 78 Back to Gallery

Next week the Harris County Commissioner’s Court will vote on a proposed parking plan that would transform part of the Astrodome at NRG Park into a parking garage.

The plan, estimated to cost $105 million, would raise the floor of the Astrodome two levels to street level and convert those areas into 1,400 parking spaces.

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It would allow some 240,000 square feet of ground-level space to be used for events or for an indoor park. County officials envision attracting retail, commercial or hospitality uses to the more than 550,000 square feet of space that surrounds the core.

If commissioners vote in favor of the plan Tuesday, the move would be the strongest signal that the beloved "Eighth Wonder of the World" is here to stay.

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On Tuesday, commissioners will vote on whether to spend $10.5 million to sketch out the details of the proposed transformation. About one-third of the money comes from the county's general fund, another third from hotel taxes and the remaining third from parking revenues, according to county figures.

READ MORE: Harris County officials propose $105M parking plan for Astrodome

The overall $105 million project would likely break down along similar lines, though the county is looking at other sources of funding, like state historical tax credits.

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The proposal would pave the way for the 51-year-old landmark to be used for event or exhibition space, a park, or any number of other uses while generating revenue from parking fees. This would possibly alleviate parking issues on the site, which locals would surely appreciate. Many will just be happy that it’s not meeting a wrecking ball.

If commissioners vote in favor of the plan Tuesday, the design would take about 12 months, the county estimates.

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Video: Video: Astrodome could be turned into parking lot

Voters in 2013 rejected a $217 million bond to turn the Dome into an energy-efficient events center, even after a very heartfelt media campaign extolling the historical and community value of the stadium.

Currently, the dome costs about $168,000 per year to maintain, said county budget officer Bill Jackson. He said demolishing the dome would cost roughly $30 million.

Any renovations or changes to the Dome would need to be approved by the Texas Historical Commission. The dome cannot be "removed, altered, damaged, salvaged, or excavated without a permit from the Texas Historical Commission," a spokesman said.