HOUSTON — It’s been sitting idle since 2009, and on Wednesday, we got a look at what the Astrodome Conservancy wants to do with the iconic venue next to NRG Stadium.
The Astrodome Conversancy released artist renderings to show what they’re calling "Vision Astrodome” – a project to turn the structure into a 450,000-square-foot, multi-use revenue-generating space, which includes buildings that would be inside the Dome.
It comes with a price tag of around $1 billion -- $250 million for a public events arena and $740 million for commercial real estate. The plan includes $250 million in taxpayer money and the rest would be covered by historic tax credits and private investments.
Part of the plan includes a boulevard that runs through the Astrodome, connecting NRG Stadium and NRG Center.
You can see the renderings below and see the full news conference unveiling the plan in the video window above.
The conservancy’s board includes the great-grandson of one of the Astrodome’s early proponents and financial backers.
“I think it’s a wonderful vision. I think it’s the first real viable vision that can be profitable and generate real revenue,” Astrodome Conservancy Board Member Mason Hunt said.
In a release, the Astrodome Conservancy said it commissioned a feasibility study on the project. It also said private and nontraditional funding resources would help pay for it.
“We are confident that because of the Astrodome’s designation as a historic landmark, 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," said Phoebe Tudor, Astrodome Conservancy Chairman. "We can create a successful public-private partnership to ensure this Houston treasure will have a bright future."
The Astrodome Conservancy is asking people to sign a petition and contact Harris County commissioners to show support for the plan.
Not everyone is on board with the plans. RodeoHouston, one of the major tenants of NRG Park, released a statement shortly after Wednesday’s news conference. Rodeo officials say they're working with the Houston Texans and Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation on what to do with the space.
"The proposed plan by the Astrodome Conservancy does not align with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s strategic vision and operational requirements. 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. These studies are crucial as we acknowledge that a significant amount of work and funding is needed for the three facilities that the Rodeo uses: NRG Stadium, NRG Center, and NRG Arena. As the only tenant that uses all three of these buildings at NRG Park, we recognize and must address these critical facility issues. We believe the total cost of deferred, current, and future maintenance and capital improvements for these facilities is well over a billion dollars. Addressing the current buildings is our priority and is vital to enhancing our guest experience and ensuring the event's continued growth."
And here is the response from Bishop James Dixon, Chairman of Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation:
"We respect the efforts of the Astrodome Conservancy and have seen their proposed concept.
"Over the last few years, we have seen several concepts that, while thought-provoking, haven’t resulted in viable funding and maintenance solutions.
"We are currently working with Harris County and a team of industry-leading experts to plan for the future of NRG Park. The solution for the Astrodome must be decided within that context. In addition, we cannot consider any future vision for NRG Park without first understanding certain baseline financial information related to the Astrodome.
"The Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation is in the process of obtaining data to use in evaluating proposed plans. This critical information will provide us with the most viable path forward, ensuring NRG Park continues to meet the needs of its stakeholders and the public for now, and for the future.
"We are taking this approach because we are accountable to the public. Accurate and data-driven information on financial costs and maintenance will inform responsible, realistic decisions that will eventually involve taxpayer dollars.
"The Astrodome is an iconic landmark that holds a special place in the hearts of Houstonians who grew up making memories inside its walls. From historic sporting events to unforgettable concerts and community celebrations, the Astrodome is a cherished part of our city’s story. I thank the Astrodome Conservancy for its work to reimagine this beloved space, and I look forward to learning more about Vision: Astrodome and to exploring innovative, sustainable paths forward." \
Harris County Commissioner Leslie Briones wants to know more about what the Astrodome Conservancy showed on Wednesday. Here was her statement.
"The Astrodome is an iconic landmark that holds a special place in the hearts of Houstonians who grew up making memories inside its walls. From historic sporting events to unforgettable concerts and community celebrations, the Astrodome is a cherished part of our city’s story. I thank the Astrodome Conservancy for its work to reimagine this beloved space, and I look forward to learning more about Vision: Astrodome and to exploring innovative, sustainable paths forward."