Houston Astrodome Deemed Antiquities Landmark by Texas Historical Commission

The Texas Historical Commission voted unanimously today to designate the Houston Astrodome as a state antiquities landmark, recognizing its historical significance and providing it with important legal protections.

The Astrodome, known for decades as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” or just simply the Dome to native Houstonians, was nominated for the honor by two Harris County residents, Ted Powell and Cynthia Neely, shortly after its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in January 2014.

The designation means that Harris County, which owns the the Astrodome, must consult with and receive permission from the historical commission before pursuing any significant alterations.

For decades, the Dome was home to the then-Houston Oilers, until the team moved in 1996, and the Houston Astros, until they moved into Minute Maid Park in 2000.

However, since then the Dome has sat unused and costing taxpayer dollars.

In 2013, the county decided to take action and for a short time, even considered tearing the structure down and using the vast empty space for additional parking for NRG stadium.

Since then however, Harris County officials have considered numerous options of transforming the Dome that have including transforming the nation’s first domed sports stadium into a massive indoor amusement park, sports museum, massive entertainment complex to include restaurants and hotels, and other potential ideas.

The county and the commission have been working together closely since the county announced plans to repurpose the Astrodome.

"I greatly appreciate the Texas Historical Commission's actions today," said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. "The unanimous decision just shows that, other than the Alamo, the Astrodome is one of the most historic places in Texas. We will certainly continue to work closely with the commission on our future plans for the Dome."

Harris County Commissioners Court voted unanimously in September to revitalize the iconic landmark, agreeing on a $105 million plan to install two levels of underground parking and converting the building's 550,000 square feet into useable public space.

Image: Ed Schipul/Flickr