Future of the Dome: Architects give KHOU 11 inside look at pitch to transform Eighth Wonder of the W

James Richards and Ben Olschner say the key to revamping the Dome is literally underneath the surface. They call it A-Dome Park.
More: www.khou.com/a...

[@Brennan.P]

they say this every 5 years and it still sits there and does nothing

[@jamesrichards3086]

Thanks! Consider helping our plan check out our instagram: adomepark

[@jojodagreat1]

trill

[@theeric]

Now that's a damn good idea. Turn it into a gathering place w/ the dome itself as a huge walkway & the top as an observation deck. I would be on board w/ that.

[@jamesrichards3086]

Thanks so much. If you like our idea please tell the Astrodome Conservancy.

[@barrylee3604]

Can't happen because it's a historical land mark protected by state law

[@theeric]

@@barrylee3604 ...no, it's not a historical landmark protected by state law. That's just wishful thinking on your part.

[@jenniferhill9924]

This is so beautiful it made me cry! Do it! Do it! Do it!!!

[@jamesrichards3086]

Thanks so much. If you like our idea please tell the Astrodome Conservancy.

[@jojodagreat1]

cringe

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@TheAlonsoBros]

SELENA

[@Marbann218]

Yessss

[@lisabaughn]

Not sure what's happening with this idea but I like it a lot. It would give us the Astrodome back. Many of us have great memories here and we can continue to enjoy them and make even more. Thanks to these architects for honoring our memories.

[@fofoish777]

This is a great idea. I also think converting it into a hotel with restaurants and shops could be a good idea too.

[@Marbann218]

Plz don't tear down the memories of the iconic baseball players and amazing singers like selena

[@righteousredneck777]

Absolutely right. Bring it back the way it was meant to be. Men died making that building

[@Quigon-93]

Or when Houston hosted Wrestlemania X-Seven back in 2001

[@charlesdn123]

Screw that, it’s an eyesore now. Do something with it, anything. Strip it and make it park.

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@PhysiqueFuel]

This is a great idea, it needs to be done! It could be Houston’s Parthenon or Houston’s Eiffel Tower. Maybe they can also add a Hall of Fame of events that happened there? Maybe a hotel as well? Maybe add an artificial beach and lagoon in the parking lot area over looking the Dome/Medical Center Skyline? Maybe add some mixed use? Why not? I’m sure there are ways to monetize it. Houston needs creative things like this. The Dome still has appeal. When 50 Cent told people he was moving to Houston, where did he take picture in front of? The Astrodome. Also, If they want it done just talk to the state to make an exemption or something in order to get around the historic building rule. Im sure there’s some legal loophole. Theres got to be. They also need to get some popular politicians on board. Especially to the congressman who represents the district.This project could bring millions to Houston 💰💰💰; money talks.This project needs to be done and the City/State need to give the go ahead and the funds and/or help ASAP.

[@jamesrichards3086]

Thanks so much. If you like our idea please tell the Astrodome Conservancy & Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. Instagram: adomepark please share.

[@dwightstorie1242]

What an awesome concept. The spiral ramp that is not fully enclosed would not work but the rest is a great idea

[@SOLDOZER]

Turn it onto a huge gladiator fighting ring and make the harris county jail inmates fight. People can come and gamble on the fighters.

[@cavitycreep]

Yeah, the first match can involve you!

[@SOLDOZER]

@@cavitycreep We can make the non-swimmers fight the swimmers.

[@travisbell1988]

Throw all the politicians in there with lions

[@sjcflawless]

WM 17! The greatest Wrestlemania ever! Good idea though...

[@jamesrichards3086]

Please consider supporting our efforts to transform the Astrodome into a park and tell the Astrodome Conservancy you like our idea

[@georgesanchez9534]

No it's the 8th wonder of the world

[@righteousredneck777]

I was there

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@ed9603]

I was so sad when thy blew up the walking ramps that we used to enter and exit the dome

[@jamesrichards3086]

Ed Emmett made that call in anticipation of a yes vote on his shopping mall concept.

[@nomadace777]

@@jamesrichards3086 I dont WANT a shopping mall

[@Pax_628]

They should just renovate to its extreme and make another Houston team

[@purple_dragon4895]

Could even turn it into another concert venue

[@ehtx1]

I know there was an idea floating around that the Astrodome could house the decommissioned NASA's space shuttle fleet. Can you imagine having Atlantis, Discovery, Endeavor, and a memorial to Challenger and Columbia all at the same location would have been incredible!

[@teetaunjj7894]

They need to redo the inside and make the Astrodome like they fixed up the Forum in Inglewood

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@Oliver_Coakley]

Don’t strip the stadium of its glory, refurbish it, and restore it so it could be used for future, sporting events, concerts, and other events

[@righteousredneck777]

It was made for sports. I think the astros should play at least one game here per year. It would be absolutely packed. Too pany memories. Wrestling,boxing,mma,monster trucks,motocross. Just need a buyer or a team willing to use it for WHAT WORKED FOR YEARS.

[@jamesrichards3086]

THANKS.

[@Arianespace007]

Houston weather I hot & humid why they made a dime in the 1st place. Make it an indoor theme park.

[@Goyarxrd]

I still feel like it can be revived used again it’s still look modern

[@jamesrichards3086]

THANKS

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@princeerick11]

I can hear Selena🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@manny4812]

Love it and put statues pictures of the Oilers Astros and Events that happened in the Astrodome like a museum

[@7ynobeus]

That’s pretty cool…watched in 2024

[@This_Is_Acting]

OMG ofc SELENA 0:26 🥰❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@nyteowl8069]

Last time I was there was when the Monster trucks was in town

[@cavitycreep]

My last time i saw VY play Worthing there

[@RemoGutierrez1]

They should turn it into a giant Mothership and fly out into space orbit

[@johnhancock9249]

As draftsman and custom home designer/builder in the North Houston area I remember going to my first baseball game around 11 or 12 years of age I thinks it’s a great idea. That place holds millions of peoples memories and it would be nice to see the steel up in the sky I gazed at 40 years ago.

[@dark12ain]

Oh wow this a great idea

[@jamesrichards3086]

Thanks so much. If you like our idea please tell the Astrodome Conservancy.

[@Spook1906]

Excellent proposal!

[@jamesrichards3086]

THANKS

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@youthinkyouknowme5551]

It's like an old car that you don't want to get rid of for nostalgic reasons then one day you wake up and just want it towed away for good.. I say tear it down and be gone with it..

[@AlwaysHalloween000]

@@pjm001 you make a good point

[@Quigon-93]

Its sad to see it like this only to be abandoned and the replacement is the AT&T Stadium in Arlington TX

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@etexbassfreak]

Restore it and bring back the Oilers!

[@seanlewis1148]

DAMN RIGHT. Bring The Titans back as Oilers, and The H can have TWO football teams. L.A. has The Chargers and Rams....H-Town can have Oilers and Texans

[@davidbuswa9425]

Take the roof off, expand the playing surface and get a CFL team in the city. It would a lot cheaper to buy a CFL franchise than the astronomical cost of a NFL team. 3 down football is more exciting than the boring NFL. You could call them the Houston Titanic since the NFL still owns the "Titan" name

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@andreasgrothe2183]

​@@seanlewis1148 Anaheim is in Los Angeles, Like the Angels and Ducks

[@AJLD1]

The Church of God in Christ should purchase it and make it their National Convocation Center

[@valk67]

In my opinion, a sports and training facility for young people in the field of baseball, football, soccer, etc. would be the best solution. Why not just use it to encourage young people? And on top of that in a historic place. It can not be that hard.

[@AR18123]

Better yet, I think they should do exactly what they did with the old Rangers stadium in Arlington. Host high school football and baseball games, soccer, rugby, other sports. Heck maybe have the Astros play 20 games a season there for a "throwback series." I'd restore the Dome and give it a few modern features and amenities. If Fenway Park and Wrigley Field have stood the test of time, then so can the Astrodome

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@datboiijuanhtx]

This actually a good idea if not the BEST

[@jamesrichards3086]

Thanks so much. If you like our idea please tell the Astrodome Conservancy.

[@wizzywizard1223]

Make a huge edible green house forest !!!

[@jamesrichards3086]

THANKS>

[@pastorraul9034]

Any updates?

[@joserivera7786]

As a tax payer I would definitely support this. They could still call it the astro dome so it doesn't lose that sentimental value but by far this is the best idea I've heard. Park, go to exercise, panoramic scenery, place to host events.

[@joel_anderson_t]

Events include concerts?

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@jefftrotter8152]

I think ots a great idea but sadky it will continue to be deteriorate because due it being listed national historical building you can't make any up to date changes to the existing structure or appearance of the building

[@bearmerica6668]

If you don't air condition it, it'll only be used 2 months only. And it'll be just another space that will be rarely used.

[@jamesrichards3086]

Incorrect. The weather in Houston is mild for at least 8 months of the year. All the parks in Houston are used 12 months of the year. During very hot days the giant umbrella will be unfurled. Thanks for your thoughts!

[@jasonsullivan5827]

Best of luck to these dudes for this

[@LilSaxyGaming]

Just make it a concert venue

[@purple_dragon4895]

Even if they did that could still be multi purpose could have comedy shows etc happen

[@tigermacc8850]

I say use it for Rodeo's and concerts. Just have to make upgrades. And maybe have the Texans and Titans play there every year

[@Jsinista]

It should be turned into a tailgate park for Texans games. The only thing took look forward too in regards of football in Houston 😂

[@kmena05]

they can't alter the dome from its original configuration because it has National Landmark and Texas Antiques Landmark status so the State wouldn't alow it the only thing they can do is renovate it to bring it back up to code so it can be used for sporting events again.

[@tylerkochman1007]

You can. Just cannot receive federal dollars to help with it

[@jbg457]

Great idea

[@dukeofdeception]

Connect it to the trails on the bayou to the medical center and yes becomes hell yes!!

[@jamesrichards3086]

Yes that is in our plans! Thanks so much. If you like our idea please tell the Astrodome Conservancy & Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. Instagram: adomepark please share.

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@edwardndriskoll]

Indoor theme park. Like space mountain

[@joel_anderson_t]

Better than keeping it abandoned or demolishing it.

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@SpaceCityProjectz]

Should be made into an Olympic training center 🎉

[@seand67]

Nice idea

[@yungsavage7977]

I love this idea

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@hair_ofthedog5023]

Yes!

[@jamesrichards3086]

Thanks so much. If you like our idea please tell the Astrodome Conservancy.

[@hair_ofthedog5023]

@@jamesrichards3086 found their website and filled out the survey. Name dropped and referenced this video and stuff!

[@jamesrichards3086]

@@hair_ofthedog5023 Thanks so Much! Please share!

[@josephcameron537]

Hurricane shelter.

[@Indysfatrolls]

Move the Arizona coyotes to Houston and put them in the astrodome

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@seabass450]

Good luck. This is a state antiquity... they will never allow this much renovation on the dome

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@righteousredneck777]

MINUTE maid park,the new home of the Houston Astros is nice,but fails greatly in comparison to the astrodome.

[@brandmepls9402]

It looks like a skeleton and a construction site but garbage Idea

[@jamesrichards3086]

THANKS

[@lonestarrida713]

Or or Bring back the Houston Aeros

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@davidcanard9699]

Legalize cannabis in TX, turn it into a massive grow house and call it the Asgrowdome. 10,000 jobs and massive tax revenue. Investors would pay for it, not the public.

[@fishkeepingfreak]

It really does need to be re-purposed. I live in FL now but the dome was such a huge part of my teenage years up through adulthood....saw Madonna there on her Material Girl tour and endless astros games...heck Id certainly pitch in to have something done with it. Plus i plan on retiring back in houston. FL sucks unless the only thing in life that makes you happy are beaches...i live really close to Clearwater beach and it got old the first summer i was here. Literally everything else about FL sucks..and the healthcare, well its the worst ive ever seen. I stopped seeing my neurologist when i found out that i know more about my nerve condition than he does and im no Dr...trust me it gets way worse from there up to and including killing my best friends mother. Go to Disney then GO HOME!! You dont want to live here

[@northernsurferboy]

Thanks for the info, I was considering moving to Florida now I am going to stay in Manitoba where my older brother makes me watch him jerk off

[@mashleymorgan]

They’ll never renovate it. It’ll just sit there for a dozen centuries.

[@lauran6184]

I love it

[@jamesrichards3086]

THANKS

[@David-yw2lv]

It needs to be demolished or refurbished.

[@wes2262]

Insurance nightmare

[@anayansygarcia5543]

I would actually put baseball in the Astrodome can have another mlb team in there like Houston astros and the other team your know 😅

[@buckbuckner3505]

A couple hundred million dollars.....yeah, right.

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@cavalierfan2008]

It won't work.....

[@Miguel195211]

Show me the money!

[@benjaminingram4857]

All of that or great ideas and feasible with surrounding green space to breath who can be that no one.

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@delang65]

Doesn’t seem like a very good idea it’ll never happen

[@madworldusa255]

This is a dumb idea

[@charlestoole1789]

That is not a good idea at all, so you take the outer cover off and expose the frame to the weather so it can then rust away. It should've never been abandoned, the stadium in the parking lot was a big mistake, and then building a new home stadium for the Astros' that is smaller in capacity and leaks when it rains made a lot of sense. All that money that was wasted on those two stadiums could've taken care of all the issues with the Dome and personally I would've made the Texans prove they deserved a new stadium first, the oilers did better and made it closer than the Texans ever has to a Super Bowl. Fix the Dome and sell the "Drip Box" and NGR stadium level it as far as that goes, the Texans don't need it or deserve it.

[@jenniferhill9924]

While I do love this design, I agree that we should have never wasted money on new stadiums and abandon the Dome. But since you can’t fix stupid this is where we are,

[@jamesrichards3086]

The steel will be protected from the weather with a robust epoxy bridge paint. Hundreds of thousands of bridges and and other steel structures are protected in this manner. The Astrodome was abandoned for very good and very real reasons. The Astros disliked the venue so much that they insisted on a new stadium in downtown. The oilers also disliked it and insisted on a new stadium. No stadium in the world the size of the astrodome that has become obsolete has been spared the wrecking ball. A-dome park is a compromise that celebrates aesthetic aspects of the architecture and put emphasis on the amazing structural engineering. Lets make the Astrodome Iconic again!

[@jojodagreat1]

true bro, make it a stripclub. hoe would b bussin tbh, drake in that hoe.

[@wwerobloxaction7522]

😮

[@romerohoustone924]

This is the dumbest idea.

[@tx5043]

Legalize gambling. Turn it into casino, hotel, shopping, indoor theme park. Make money back in no time.

[@dorseylandria6119]

Hang on........🤣😅🤣🤣🤣😅😅😅🤣😂😂😂😂🤣🤣😅😅🤣🤣😂

[@jamesrichards3086]

THANKS

[@WaveGod813]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 man nahhhh

[@marvinmarvin8478]

Wasn’t the DOME IMPLODED????

[@jamesrichards3086]

No

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@braden2345]

Just tear it down. Can’t you see it wants to die.

[@righteousredneck777]

Tell that to the men who died building it

[@heinuchung8680]

Turn it into affordable housing with city services . Mixed income

[@juiceboxhero9147]

Pls don't do this

[@jamesrichards3086]

Thanks so much. If you like our idea please tell the Astrodome Conservancy & Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. Instagram: adomepark please share.

[@andreasgrothe2183]

The Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Roughnecks win more games, including a championship, they would choose what to do with The Astrodome

[@ElVatoG711]

Make it a casino n hotel there

[@uguess94]

I love this idea