Astrodome named national landmark
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."
In November, 53 percent of voters turned down a proposed $217 million bond issue to redevelop the Dome, which lost its major clients when the Houston Astros moved to Minute Maid Park and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo relocated to the nearby Reliant Stadium.
More at http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Dome-named-national-landmark-5193081.php?cmpid=bna&cmpid=bna .
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