Houston Astrodome Designated As Historic Landmark – But It Can Still Be Demolished

January 31st, 2014

Another last ditch effort to save the 8th Wonder of the World:

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.