NRG Park Mixed-Use Development

[jghall00]

For almost anything you propose doing with the Astrodome, it would be cheaper to build a whole new building in a different location than to convert the Astrodome to that use.  This includes homeless shelters, fitness centers, high school sports stadiums, transit centers, amusement parks, etc.  It's like taking that old Chevy van that grandpa's had sitting next to the garage for twenty years, and trying to convert it into a fuel-efficient hybrid car.  You're better off just buying a new hybrid car. 

The only reason to reuse the Astrodome is if whatever you're using it for uniquely incorporates the Astrodome in some way - if it's an original idea that's appropriate to the Astrodome and couldn't be done anywhere but the Astrodome.  My idea was to build a Museum of Modern Technology, with airplanes, space rockets, etc., kind of like our own Smithsonian, and devote a section of it to showing the role that technology has played in Houston, particularly with space exploration.  The idea being that the most prized piece in the museum's collection would be the museum itself - the actual building.  Most tourists who visit Houston do so to see NASA; this could be the next thing on their itinerary.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I can't address the expense of modifying the structure, but I disagree with your assertion that whatever the building is used for by necessity should incorporate the uniqueness of the dome. The dome has a shoddy location, amidst acres of parking, in a relatively isolated area. The location is really detrimental to the structure, so the structure needs to have a use that will compensate for the location.

What better use then as a facility where people and families can connect to one another? How often would residents visit a museum? You go once when it opens, and thereafter when there's a special exhibit. I really enjoy museums, but visiting one is not something I do every month. We need a facility that will add to the miniscule number of public spaces available in Houston, one that people can enjoy ALL of the time. In my opinion, Houston is NOT a tourist magnet. On the other hand, creating things that improve the quality of life for residents will also benefit tourism. If you ask me, the entire Reliant complex needs to be redeveloped into something more urbane and pedestrian friendly.

[sevfiv]

I can't address the expense of modifying the structure, but I disagree with your assertion that whatever the building is used for by necessity should incorporate the uniqueness of the dome.  The dome has a shoddy location, amidst acres of parking, in a relatively isolated area.  The location is really detrimental to the structure, so the structure needs to have a use that will compensate for the location. 

What better use then as a facility where people and families can connect to one another?  How often would residents visit a museum?  You go once when it opens, and thereafter when there's a special exhibit.  I really enjoy museums, but visiting one is not something I do every month.  We need a facility that will add to the miniscule number of public spaces available in Houston, one that people can enjoy ALL of the time.  In my opinion, Houston is NOT a tourist magnet.  On the other hand, creating things that improve the quality of life for residents will also benefit tourism.  If you ask me, the entire Reliant complex needs to be redeveloped into something more urbane and pedestrian friendly.

yes, houston as a whole isn't really into the arts...patronizing or funding...

[RedScare]

"yes, houston as a whole isn't really into the arts...patronizing or funding..."

You might want to research that last statement a bit. You may be stunned to find that Houston does not fit your stereotype.

[Subdude]

If you ask me, the entire Reliant complex needs to be redeveloped into something more urbane and pedestrian friendly.

By its nature, I don't think a complex of stadiums, a convention hall, and acres of parking can really be made more urbane. The scale is just too big, both of the buildings and the parking lots. I don't mean this as criticism of the complex, just that it doesn't seem worth the effort to make it urbane. That was the point of the criticism of the proposed West Side Stadium in NYC. It was just too big, and the neighbors felt that because of its scale in the neighborhood it would hurt pedestrian development more than help it.

In retrospect I'm glad the new football stadium wasn't built downtown like had been proposed.

[DJ V Lawrence]

World class Soccer/Track & Field Stadium, Luxury Hotel, and Entertainment center ALL rolled into one to accomodate the other buildings/stadiums in the Reliant Area.

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To reinerate this point, I think the Reliant Complex is a great convention friendly place, but with the Astrodome remodeled this way, we could turn it into possibly one of, if not the BEST convention complex in the world.

[jghall00]

By its nature, I don't think a complex of stadiums, a convention hall, and acres of parking can really be made more urbane.  The scale is just too big, both of the buildings and the parking lots.  I don't mean this as criticism of the complex, just that it doesn't seem worth the effort to make it urbane.  That was the point of the criticism of the proposed West Side Stadium in NYC.  It was just too big, and the neighbors felt that because of its scale in the neighborhood it would hurt pedestrian development more than help it.

In retrospect I'm glad the new football stadium wasn't built downtown like had been proposed.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I see your point, but I think the complex can definitely become something better then it is now. I haven't viewed the football stadium up close (just from kirby), but I think the baseball stadium would not have done any damage to downtown had it been further west. To a certain extent, having that much land devoted to one use does preclude further urban development, because it consumes so much available space. In the case of the Reliant complex, the facilities and parking area could be developed to support a multitude of uses. I would consider not doing so a failure of imagination.

The area adjacent to the complex on the west was turned into a parking lot that sits empty more often then not, pretty much precluding that section of Main from developing into any sort of urban thoroughfare. In that, I saw more of the same provincial thinking that seems to permeate projects in Houston. Perhaps I'm overly critical or impatient, because development is coming, albeit too slowly for me. But we need more projects here in Houston that bring people together. Being situated on the rail line, the Reliant complex is as good a place as any.

How about high density housing (condos and townhomes) where the parking lots sit, and a plaza and park as part of the reliant complex, with a family orientated sports facility in the Dome? The parking could move to North Main and the southern terminus of the rail line.

[YakuzaIce]

How about high density housing (condos and townhomes) where the parking lots sit, and a plaza and park as part of the reliant complex, with a family orientated sports facility in the Dome?  The parking could move to North Main and the southern terminus of the rail line.

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I was thinking a similar thing though I do not know how viable it would be. Put parking garages by the new stadium and the convention center. Then use most of the parking lot to put mid rise residential with retail. Maybe a small hotel to. Then use the Astrodome as a park/public gathering place. To get plants to grow just replace the painted roof panels with clear ones.

Once again there probably won't be that kind or res. demand in years. But one day this might even be an option. Who knows?

[jghall00]

I was thinking a similar thing though I do not know how viable it would be.  Put parking garages by the new stadium and the convention center.  Then use most of the parking lot to put mid rise residential with retail.  Maybe a small hotel to.  Then use the Astrodome as a park/public gathering place.  To get plants to grow just replace the painted roof panels with clear ones.

Once again there probably won't be that kind or res. demand in years.  But one day this might even be an option.  Who knows?

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What do you think of putting the parking underground, like it is near Bayou Place downtown? That would maximize the surface space available for other uses.

[Houston19514]

At the very least, Reliant Park should build a pedestrian-friendly walkway between the MetroRail station and the facilities. A pathway lined with shade trees, fountains and sculpture. I think someone on this board suggested moving walkways. That would be excellent and very "Houston-ish". Lining the walkway with retail/residential and hotels would be even better.

[RedScare]

The landscaped walkway would be nice. However, something about moving sidewalks bothers me. Could it be that when going to watch some of the world's best athletes, the least that "Fat City" could do is walk a couple hundred yards to sit in their seats? I mean, come on, we already watch it in air conditioned comfort!

I hate to admit this, but I think the Astrodome is just too expensive, upkeepwise, to be used for anything. It may become a Discovery Channel documentary yet (you know, the ones showing how to implode a bldg).

[sevfiv]

"yes, houston as a whole isn't really into the arts...patronizing or funding..."

You might want to research that last statement a bit.

[LTAWACS]

This would be a bad idea.

[YakuzaIce]

This would be a bad idea.

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Which idea.

Me and jghall00's or Houston19514's. Or the original?

[sevfiv]

maybe the astros should move back to the astrodome and minute maid can be used for mud wrestling...hehe

[LTAWACS]

Which idea.

Me and jghall00's or Houston19514's.  Or the original?

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Hang on... hold your horses...

[RedScare]

sevfiv

I apologize. One who volunteers his time to the arts is certainly more entitled to give his opinion on the state of the arts than I. However, you would admit that, for a 20th century southern city, Houston supports the arts better than most, wouldn't you?

And, yes, I agree with your smartass remark about Houstonians in general.

[BayouCityGirl]

maybe the astros should move back to the astrodome and minute maid can be used for mud wrestling...hehe 

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Coming from a female who frequents this board that is a bit wrong.

(and offensive!)

[YakuzaIce]

Hang on... hold your horses...

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???

I just wanted clarification.

[sevfiv]

for a 20th century southern city, Houston supports the arts better than most, wouldn't you?

[H-Town Man]

I can't address the expense of modifying the structure, but I disagree with your assertion that whatever the building is used for by necessity should incorporate the uniqueness of the dome.

[sevfiv]

No one suggested that it be made into an art museum.

[Dream]

Casino!

Dream

[Houstonian in Iraq]

Has anyone seen today's paper yet. MLS might be moving into the Astrodome. Check it out here

Sounds like a good deal for the Dome, the city, and MLS

[ricco67]

I think this is really very good news.

I hope that MLS will reconsider it's "temporary" option and make it permanent.

I think it would be terrific for the stadium, esp. if they would make some neat modifications for the soccer fanatics which would surely come follow their favorite teams.

Ricco

[houstonsemipro]

But, they still considering turning the Dome into a hotel, convention center, and retail resturant entertainment center. The deadline for this proposed project is August 18. MLS team just be temporary until they built the new proposed stadium at Delmar on 290.

[DJ V Lawrence]

But, they still considering turning the Dome into a hotel, convention center, and retail resturant entertainment center. The deadline for this proposed project is August 18. MLS team just be temporary until they built the new proposed stadium at Delmar on 290.

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C/mon Oliver Luck, STOP THINKING TEMPORARY!!!! THINK OF A YEAR-AROUND BUILDING MASTERPIECE!!! Soccer Stadium, AND hotel, convention center, and retail resturant entertainment center. It'd be the most famous soccer stadium in the US, AND the Reliant Complex would become one of the most famous convention complexes in the WORLD!! We're sitting on a goldmine, and I'm not sure why ANY Houstonian would want us to just be like everyone else in the country and get a high-school stadium for a professional team.

By the way, don't forget about America's current most famous spccer-specific venue. Home Depot Stadium in Carson, California. Do U see any high-school around it?

[BayouCityGirl]

reading KTRK...online its considering to be a Soccer team!

I am NOT happy with this!

[KennethColeSRG]

I have a problem with one of the previous post suggesting turning the Dome into affordable housing would "turn it into the projects", yet the same poster goes onto to suggest a mixed use development feature residential, retail, etc.

Are we suggesting that new developments in housing in Houston be only for the well-off? What makes individuals not in the upper classes so undesirable as to which a statement can be made like that? Exaclty what is the author's definition of "the projects"?

I guess we should in Houston only aim to provide master-planned communities such with neighborhoods such as those sterling homes and residents in places such as Plano, where kids can feel free to kill themselves with heroin and steriods and run ragged in the streets drunk as skunks and behave like animals? Sounds like a sure enough "project" area to me...a project of shame.

[houstonsemipro]

Well, this week on the 18th is the deadline for the proposal on the Astrodome.

For anyone new to this thread. The proposal for the Dome is, a convention center, an 1,000 room hotel, meeting rooms, entertainment complex, restaurants, retail, etc.

[DJ V Lawrence]

Well, this week on the 18th is the deadline for the proposal on the Astrodome.

For anyone new to this thread. The proposal for the Dome is, a convention center, an 1,000 room hotel, meeting rooms, entertainment complex, restaurants, retail, etc.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

For the record, I think if they do decide to turn the Dome into a soccer stadium temporarily, it will be a waste of money and time for Houston. Either make it a hotel now, or make it a permenant soccer stadium.