$66M plan would replace dome with green space

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the NFL’s Houston Texans have devised a $66 million plan to demolish the vacant Astrodome and turn the site into an outdoor green space that is reminiscent of downtown’s Discovery Green and also pays tribute to the historic stadium. Read full details of the plan in the documents below. (Gensler Architects) less The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the NFL’s Houston Texans have devised a $66 million plan to demolish the vacant Astrodome and turn the site into an outdoor green space that is reminiscent of ... more Image 1 of / 83 Caption Close $66M plan would replace dome with green space 1 / 83 Back to Gallery

County leaders said Thursday they are open to considering a $66 million plan devised by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the NFL's Houston Texans to demolish the iconic Astrodome and turn the nearly 9-acre site into a massive outdoor space reminiscent of downtown's Discovery Green.

The two organizations – the primary tenants of the South Loop sports complex where the vacant stadium stands – briefed commissioners on their proposal this week.

The project, titled the "Astrodome Hall of Fame," calls for tearing down the dome, bringing the floor to ground level and installing an open-air structure where the walls once stood, according to a 37-page proposal obtained by the Houston Chronicle. The plan, drawn up by two architecture and construction firms, is designed to pay tribute to "the Astrodome's history" and realize its potential as an "outdoor fulcrum" of NRG Park.

Renderings show what looks like the ribs of the former stadium circling a vast, grassy space with multiple event stages. Tributes to the various events, athletes and entertainers – from Elvis to Earl Campbell – who have played and performed at the stadium throughout the decades would be installed on each of 72 structural columns that would stand as tall as the 49-year-old structure.

"We think they came up with a tremendous idea and it's the one thing we don't have out there right now," Rodeo Chief Operating Officer Leroy Shafer said of the plan devised by Gensler and Linbeck Construction. "This puts a park right in the center of our NRG park complex."

Shafer and Texans President Jamey Rootes said they are open to helping foot the bill for the project, describing it as "affordable," but would not say how much they would contribute.

"I mean, you can't come up with a recommendation without assuming that you're going to have to put your shoulder on the wheel to make it happen," Rootes said.

Shafer suggested that the commemorative plaques could bring in a considerable sum through sponsorships from corporations, foundations or individuals.

Last May, the Rodeo and Texans jointly commissioned a study showing it would cost $29 million to demolish the dome and build a 1,600-space parking lot.

The release of their newest plan comes two months after Harris County Judge Ed Emmett convened an "Astrodome Stakeholder's Meeting," attended by officials from the two organizations, to discuss where things stand with the dome after voters last November overwhelmingly rejected a $217 million bond issue to turn it into an energy-efficient events center.

Noting that the Rodeo supported that proposal, Shafer said the two organizations got together after the election and decided to pitch another plan for Commissioners Court to consider, describing it as "just another proposal."

The five-member court has the final say on any plan to renovate or demolish the stadium, which has not housed a sports team since 2000 when the Houston Astros moved to Minute Maid Field downtown. It was declared unsuitable for occupancy in 2009.

A majority of court members said Thursday they are open to considering the proposal, with two expressing clear support for it.

"I think this is definitely a potentially viable option that definitely needs to be looked at," said Precinct 2 Commissioner Jack Morman, who was openly opposed the $217 million events center plan, primarily because it would have led to an increase in the county property tax rate.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack said the latest proposal "could be a way to do something without taxpayers paying the majority of the tab," depending on how much the organizations are willing to contribute.

"It'll be interesting to see what the total package is," he said.

Even Commissioner El Franco Lee, whose Precinct 1 is home to the dome, said in a statement "It's another plan that we should review and determine if it has merit. ... We always want to listen to our tenants."

Lee previously has opposed tearing it down. Spokesman David Ellison said Thursday that the commissioner still "wants to avoid demolition."

Only Harris County Judge Ed Emmett expressed open opposition to the plan. His spokesman Joe Stinebaker tweeted Thursday that the county's top elected official "has been – and remains – opposed to any plans to demolish the Astrodome. Period."

Precinct 4 Commissioners Jack Cagle declined comment through a spokesman.

While the plan was finished in February, Shafer said they decided to wait until after the rodeo to brief commissioners.

A timeline included in the document shows work would have had to begun in April for it to be done in time for the 2017 Super Bowl at NRG Stadium.

Asked about the timing, Shafer said "Believe me this is not a Super Bowl issue. Seriously."

Rootes, however, said it would be "a plus" if the project could be completed before then.

Historic preservationists who have fought to save the dome chafed at the plan Thursday.

"It just doesn't seem very innovative," said Beth Wiedower, a senior field officer for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "I think demolition is shortsighted and not in the best interest of taxpayers."

The state historical commission is slated to consider designating the stadium a "state antiquities landmark" at a meeting at the end of this month. While the special title would not outright protect the former Eighth Wonder of the World from the wrecking ball, it would make it far more difficult.

Cynthia Neely, one of two Houston-area residents who applied for the historic designation, described the plan as an "outrage," but declared that the stadium is "on the cusp of being saved."

"It doesn't belong to the Rodeo and it doesn't belong to the Texans, so it's not their call. And while they may have the money to do that, it's not their property," Neely said. "It belongs to the taxpayers and we have funded all the improvements."