A New Vision for Houston’s Astrodome

HOUSTON – By Cynthia Lescalleet (Realty News Report) – A billion-dollar mixed-use redevelopment concept for Houston’s iconic Astrodome revealed Wednesday by the Astrodome Conservancy is as bold and complicated a project as the original venue itself.

As presented at the non-profit organization’s press event on Wednesday, “Vision: Astrodome” purportedly addresses both what to do with Houston’s languishing iconic landmark and how to integrate it into the future of NRG Park.

The reveal showcased Gensler’s repurposing of the nine-acre interior of the 1965 vintage structure to accommodate events and entertainment, dining, offices, cultural and community spaces, hospitality and retail. And to do so while encouraging a more human-scale experience given the volume of space under the roof so far above, said Kris Stuart, principal of the Gensler architecture firm.

Under the Dome: 450,000 SF of New Rentable Space

As re-imagined, the Astrodome would incorporate 450,000 square feet of revenue-generating space, including office space and and a hotel with construction of four buildings tucked into the all-air conditioned interior and a new arena surrounded by dining, retail and other uses.

A sweeping grand boulevard for pedestrians, along the lines of the High Line elevated park in New York, curves through the main concourse past functions and amenities, and ties the revamped venue to NRG Park. Programmable spaces would further activate the future build-out and also spill outside, Stuart noted.

Additional parking, storage, service and animal handling facilities are located beneath a new ground floor and would serve the needs of Harris County and the park’s two primary tenants, RodeoHouston and the Houston Texans of the NFL.

And the cost? About a billion dollars.

For that funding, conservancy leaders called for a public-private collaboration, a more cost-efficient arena within the existing Astrodome (that also saves the county an estimated $100 million by avoiding the cost of demolishing the Dome), and leveraging public investment through tax credits.

Historic Designation has Its Benefits

Because of the Astrodome’s designation as a historic landmark, said Phoebe Tudor, Astrodome Conservancy chairman, “an Astrodome redevelopment can leverage significant private dollars – dollars that are not available for new construction or other improvements to NRG Park – to minimize public investment.”

The Astrodome Conservancy, founded in 2016, had raised nearly $3.5 million in private and philanthropic funds to engage the community, raise awareness, explore and develop a viable, inclusive plan for the beloved and beleaguered Eighth Wonder of the World, speakers noted.

Tudor described the redevelopment plan as “a gift to the county and to the citizens, free of charge, the results of about a decade of studying, working and listening.”

The plan is also meant as “a conversation starter,” she said, with stakeholders and developers adding layers of detail as the plan matures.

The Astrodome, located on 350 acres near the intersection of Kirby Drive and Loop 610, is owned by the people of Harris County, Tudor noted.

A key tenant on the government-owned NRG stadium and property – Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo – swiftly issued a statement responding to the Astrodome’s Conservancy’s vision for the Dome.

Opposition Voiced Immediately

“The proposed plan by the Astrodome Conservancy does not align with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s strategic vision and operational requirements,” said a Rodeo statement from Rodeo Chair Pat Mann Phillips and President and CEO Chris Boleman.

“The Rodeo, Texans, and Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation (HCSCC) have been working on plans for NRG Park’s future. We are actively participating in Park studies and comprehensive analyses regarding the future of NRG Park,” the Rodeo said.

A Confidentiality Agreement and a Dome with No Voice

The Astrodome is not included in the discussions with the Rodeo and the Texans, the Astrodome backers said. “The existing Tri-Party Agreement between Harris County and the primary tenants of NRG Park, the Texans and the Rodeo, sunsets in 2032. The parties have entered into a Confidentiality Agreement to negotiate a future contract and the future of NRG Park, including the Astrodome. Harris County and the tenants have requested designs and plans for NRG Stadium, NRG Center, and most recently a new NRG Arena and support services. The Astrodome is left out. Who is representing the Astrodome in these conversations?” said the new press materials from the Astrodome Conservancy.

In her remarks Wednesday, Tudor said the Astrodome was judged to be in excellent condition by Walter P. Moore Engineers and it has no asbestos. The Astrodome closed in 2009.

“It is in remarkably good condition,” Tudor said. “It is solid and built to last.”

Plans being considered by the Rodeo and Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation reportedly included replacing the aging NRG Arena, which was completed in 1974. The arena, known as the Astroarena, sits on the eastern side of the NRG Park property, amid 25,000 paved parking spaces.

Demolishing the Astrodome and building a new Arena would cost about about $350 million, said Ryan LeVasseur of LeVass Ventures, which has been advising the Astrodome Conservancy. With the Gensler/Conservancy plan, building the arena inside the Astrodome would result in a $200 million savings, LeVasseur said.

“A revitalized Astrodome provides an iconic destination under roof with an air conditioned environment that’s comfortable,” said architect Jerry Alexander of Gensler. “This is a generational opportunity. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind icon for Houston.”