H-Town Man Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 How much would it cost to knock something like that down?I can't imagine it would be more than maintaining it in perpetuity - at some point the maintenance costs add up enough.Then there is also the lost value of the land from parking or whatever the rodeo might want to do with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 For some reason I never thought I'd witness the day where folks would sit around scratching heads wondering what can be done with the Astrodome. The ten-year-old inside me (who very much loved the Astros and the Dome) is rolling her eyes and shaking her head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 How much would it cost to knock something like that down?I can't imagine it would be more than maintaining it in perpetuity - at some point the maintenance costs add up enough.Then there is also the lost value of the land from parking or whatever the rodeo might want to do with it.The Chronicle put out data several months back. I've forgotten precisely what the numbers were, but the outcome was overwhelmingly in favor of keeping it in mothballs rather than demolishing it. Take into account that it gets leased several times a year for events, and that's sort of a cherry on top for the County.I'd imagine that the Texans wouldn't mind losing it, but the Rodeo wants to keep it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDeb Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Am I also correct that many of the country's first domed stadiums have already been demolished?I believe the only domed stadium that has been demolished is the Kingdome in Seattle. The RCA Dome in Indianapolis will be next as the Colts move to a new retractable roof facility (Lucas Oil Stadium) next year. The winning bid to demolish the RCA Dome was for $3.5 Million.The Pontiac Silverdome has been empty since the Lions moved to Ford Field, but there are no plan to demolish it yet, as they are attempting to find a buyer.Of the older domed stadia, the Superdome, Tropicana Field and the Metrodome are still in use. (I think that's all of the older ones). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Am I also correct that many of the country's first domed stadiums have already been demolished?By definition, only ONE domed stadium can be first. That would be the Houston Astrodome. As for historical value, the first carries historical significance. Those that follow have little historical significance, unless they are first at something else. Therefore, the Kingdome and RCA Dome have far less historical significance that the FIRST domed stadium (though the Kingdome did have an interesting roof structure). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CyKat Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 (edited) Chenevert, Kat, you do realize that the cost of knocking it down exceeds the net present value cost of maintaining it as-is in perpetuity, right?How do you figure that, without taking into consideration the future income generated from some other venue, say a parking garage, for example. I wasn't aware that it's actually being used a few times a year. Leave it to a government agency to screw things up. I wonder if any private entities have made offers for it, only to be refused because of the politics involved. I'll bet Tilman Fertita (sp?)wouldn't mind having it as one of his future casinos. After all he is amassing quite a portifolio, ready to go online the day casino gambling is made legal in Texas. But then again, maybe that's what the current owners are counting on as well. Cykat Edited February 12, 2008 by CyKat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 Whatever happened to the "Rocket Museum Space Themeamigig"?That was my original vote to preserve the Dome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 How do you figure that, without taking into consideration the future income generated from some other venue, say a parking garage, for example. I wasn't aware that it's actually being used a few times a year.For starters, you'd have to build a parking garage, and if they aren't doing it now, why would they do it in the place of the dome if parking is more abundant?It doesn't get a lot of use, but it does get some. According to the figures provided in the Chronicle, though, whether it got any use at all or not didn't really matter. Demolition cost was just too high relative to ongoing maintenance costs. Check the other Astrodome thread to find my post. I'm not really sure why we've got a duplicate thread, anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GovernorAggie Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 (edited) I believe the only domed stadium that has been demolished is the Kingdome in Seattle. The RCA Dome in Indianapolis will be next as the Colts move to a new retractable roof facility (Lucas Oil Stadium) next year. The winning bid to demolish the RCA Dome was for $3.5 Million. The Pontiac Silverdome has been empty since the Lions moved to Ford Field, but there are no plan to demolish it yet, as they are attempting to find a buyer. Of the older domed stadia, the Superdome, Tropicana Field and the Metrodome are still in use. (I think that's all of the older ones). It should be emphasized that the RCA Dome will be demolished--not imploded like the Kingdome was. I would think that the bid is that low because you don't have as much building. I'm thinking that the Astrodome's roof alone would increase the costs. RCA doesn't have that problem as much with it's "marshmallow" air-supported roof. It could literally be as simple as turning off the roof's airpumps, letting it deflate, cutting it into strips and hauling it away. Furthermore, RCA isn't a stand-alone building. It is part of Indy's convention center which will be expanded once the dome is gone. Tropicana and the Metrodome are on their last legs as well--Tropicana was a dog building from the time it was built and has consistently been rated as the worst stadium in baseball. The Metrodome is a cookie-cutter building like the Silverdome, Carrier Dome in Syracuse, BC Place in Vancouver, BC, and the RCA Dome. Personally, I think that the Astrodome has even more significance that Reliant Stadium. The Dome was a first--Reliant is a follow up act to SkyDome/Rogers Centre in Toronto. The Dome made the notion of playing outdoor sports in indoor venues a feasible proposition. All these domes operating today can look to the Astrodome as the granddaddy of them all, and to just saw it's pointless or useless is just wrong. And I'm not even a native Houstonian nor have I even had the pleasure of even seeing the Dome on the inside and I can see the value of keeping the building at all costs. In the meantime, maybe we can get Mattress Mac to pay for it to be power washed Edited February 13, 2008 by GovernorAggie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mojeaux131 Posted February 14, 2008 Share Posted February 14, 2008 I say turn it into one of those indoor "farms of the future". The top could be redone to light light in (that's how it was originally), and there could still be lots of room to hold farmer's markets outside, or the remaining room inside could be used for maintenance of the system and/or housing for the workers. Or does the overall design render this impossible? Imagine the former stands remade into terraces with all sorts of crops growing. It could even be used for academic research in the development of said farms. It just seems like such a terrible waste to knock the thing down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted February 14, 2008 Share Posted February 14, 2008 I say turn it into one of those indoor "farms of the future". The top could be redone to light light in (that's how it was originally), and there could still be lots of room to hold farmer's markets outside, or the remaining room inside could be used for maintenance of the system and/or housing for the workers. Or does the overall design render this impossible? Imagine the former stands remade into terraces with all sorts of crops growing. It could even be used for academic research in the development of said farms. It just seems like such a terrible waste to knock the thing down.COOL! Then it could be a ... biodome. Awesome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trae Posted February 14, 2008 Share Posted February 14, 2008 I say turn it into one of those indoor "farms of the future". The top could be redone to light light in (that's how it was originally), and there could still be lots of room to hold farmer's markets outside, or the remaining room inside could be used for maintenance of the system and/or housing for the workers. Or does the overall design render this impossible? Imagine the former stands remade into terraces with all sorts of crops growing. It could even be used for academic research in the development of said farms. It just seems like such a terrible waste to knock the thing down.Weak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted February 14, 2008 Share Posted February 14, 2008 I say turn it into one of those indoor "farms of the future". The top could be redone to light light in (that's how it was originally), and there could still be lots of room to hold farmer's markets outside, or the remaining room inside could be used for maintenance of the system and/or housing for the workers. Or does the overall design render this impossible? Imagine the former stands remade into terraces with all sorts of crops growing. It could even be used for academic research in the development of said farms. It just seems like such a terrible waste to knock the thing down.I think that would be amazing. Controlled environment farming, and it would be architecturally "green" because we're not tearing down an existing structure - sustainable stewardship.And it wouldn't be nearly as difficult as skyscraper farming! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDeb Posted February 14, 2008 Share Posted February 14, 2008 I say turn it into one of those indoor "farms of the future". The top could be redone to light light in (that's how it was originally), and there could still be lots of room to hold farmer's markets outside, or the remaining room inside could be used for maintenance of the system and/or housing for the workers. Or does the overall design render this impossible? Imagine the former stands remade into terraces with all sorts of crops growing. It could even be used for academic research in the development of said farms. It just seems like such a terrible waste to knock the thing down.What would be the benefit of that? It's not like the Texas Gulf Coast climate is unsuitable for farming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted February 14, 2008 Share Posted February 14, 2008 (edited) I think that would be amazing. Controlled environment farming, and it would be architecturally "green" because we're not tearing down an existing structure - sustainable stewardship.And it wouldn't be nearly as difficult as skyscraper farming!Interesting. So, we legalize marijuana, turn the dome into the planet's largest grow house, take the business back from Mexican gangs, and use the proceeds for school funding and start fixing the property tax situation.It's valentines day-- A girl can dream, can't she? EDIT. Seriously. Edited February 15, 2008 by crunchtastic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mojeaux131 Posted February 15, 2008 Share Posted February 15, 2008 (edited) What would be the benefit of that? It's not like the Texas Gulf Coast climate is unsuitable for farming.Well, for starters, it's always a good idea to develop agricultural technology and knowledge, especially now that we're beginning to understand the problems inherent in our current overdependence on chemical pesticides and petroleum-based fertilizers. Speaking of the Gulf Coast, there is a "dead zone" in the Gulf that's currently about the size of New Jersey. Fertilizer runoff from farming in the heartland has created massive algal blooms that remove oxygen from the water and doom other forms of marine life. So yes, the development of alternative forms of farming is quite necessary, especially when one considers the growing "Eat Local" movement. Don't worry, I'm sure someone can find a way to deem it "profitable" once we start rightfully and responsibly begin taking externalities (like the dead zone, food allergies, and pollution) into account. But I digress...Anyway, bio-Dome, eh? Edited February 15, 2008 by mojeaux131 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VicMan Posted February 15, 2008 Share Posted February 15, 2008 How often is the stadium used for high school games? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 Didn't think it deserved its own tread (yet), so I'd mention on here.Just heard a teaser on Ch. 13's 11am news that perhaps the Dome might be a film studio??I can almost see that happening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 Didn't think it deserved its own tread (yet), so I'd mention on here.Just heard a teaser on Ch. 13's 11am news that perhaps the Dome might be a film studio??I can almost see that happening.Yup:http://www.houstonaep.org/What we would like to propose is the possibility of converting the Astrodome into a fully functional, cost effective, and economy boosting, large-scale Film Production Studio. With the support of everyone in and around Houston, and in Texas as a whole, we hope this plan will gain the opportunity to be exclusively reviewed in further detail by Harris County Officials. Funding will come from a private investor who can bring the studio to life and the hire only the most qualified team of professionals for operations. We also wish to maintain the original aspects of the Astrodome, as it has been approved as a Historical Landmark. This is all derivative of the approval of the Harris County Commission. We hope this petition will prove that Houstonians want to see the positive changes that a production studio will bring to the film industry. The purpose of this petition is a preliminary showing of support in the procuring this venture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJones Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 I think Joni Mitchell sang it best already ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 I think Joni Mitchell sang it best already ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 Did yall know there is another Astrodome in the Phillipines?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuneta_Astrodome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KimberlySayWhat Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 Ricco67:Didn't think it deserved its own tread (yet), so I'd mention on here.Just heard a teaser on Ch. 13's 11am news that perhaps the Dome might be a film studio??I can almost see that happening. I saw a promo for that last night, but I didn't know it had to do with the Astrodome. They just said something about Houston possibly being the next Hollywood and I rolled my eyes and said "lame". I don't see it happening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJones Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 Think about it Ricco. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted March 27, 2009 Share Posted March 27, 2009 A buddy of mine from high school that used to work for ESPN is getting ready to release his documentary on The Astrodome. The trailer looks promising...http://www.thedomemovie.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMac Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 A buddy of mine from high school that used to work for ESPN is getting ready to release his documentary on The Astrodome. The trailer looks promising...http://www.thedomemovie.comBut you 1st have to contact Chip?DMac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 Bummer, the trailer was working earlier today. It really looks good (as a Houstonian and architectural junkie) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwphillips2 Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Bummer, the trailer was working earlier today. It really looks good (as a Houstonian and architectural junkie)We'll gladly wait for the trailer and the documentary.You can't be missing this great non-Boston weather?~Kinkaid 64 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike lang Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Hope that includes the 1970 movie shot at the Dome, Brewster McCloud..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Hope that includes the 1970 movie shot at the Dome, Brewster McCloud........and "The Savage Bees" of 1976. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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