re: Houston's Astrodome -- a new plan being considered for remodeling and saving it

quote:

---

Why not just do the "gut the whole thing and make it a park/trail" plan? It preserves the "dome", You can still hold events underneath it, and people will actually go visit it because it will be a semi-interesting public space.

---

This would be a pretty awesome and really unique idea. That article pissed me off about the arse-hats from the historical committee vetoing that proposal because it modifies the existing building's structural system (although depending on the bracing and overturning design you could argue they haven't changed the building's core structural system). What a dumb useless committee.

Only other issue would be blasting and painting all of that exposed steel. It would be a nightmare feat. I don't even want to speculate how much that would cost. It would almost certainly be $50+ Mil and could get over a hundred.

seems like turning it into some sort of open air amphitheater with a roof would be ideal

quote:

---

They should turn it into a "city within a city" with luxury condominiums, parks, and shopping all included within a restricted access climate-controlled environment. Buyers could be carefully screened, and security and service workers micro-chipped for easy location/ identification should they stray out of assigned areas or attempt to remain longer than authorized.

---

Logan's Run?

One plan discussed on the Houston Chronicle site from 5-10 years ago was my favorite. It mentioned converting the Astrodome into a practice facility for learning to (snow) ski. Many people from the Houston-area take skiing vacations but have never done it before (thus spending initial couple of days of vacation in classes). Or others may just want to learn, similar to the ice skating area in the Galleria.

quote:

---

if the plan is approved by county commissioners the dome makeover won't require a tax increase for you at all.

---

Ha. In my experience, the cost will crowd the budget and will require a tax increase to pay for the crowded-out item (whatever that might be).

It would be an indirect tax increase.

As for air conditioning, the inside of the Astrodome would mold without it. That's why it costs a million dollars a month to keep it up now (running the AC to keep mold from forming).

quote:

---

As long as Engineers agree that the superstructure would be safe free-standing

---

As soon as you remove the skin you reduce the wind loads by at least 65% and the weight of the skin by 100%. It wouldn't be an issue at all.

They need to legalize gambling and turn it into a casino with suites.

quote:

---

They should turn it into a "city within a city" with luxury condominiums, parks, and shopping all included within a restricted access climate-controlled environment. Buyers could be carefully screened, and security and service workers micro-chipped for easy location/ identification should they stray out of assigned areas or attempt to remain longer than authorized.

---

We now return to a depressing 1970's SciFi movie starring a guy in a turtle neck.

quote:

---

The $105 million price tag does not buy air conditioning.

---

Climate of Houston

quote:

---

The Climate of Houston is classified as humid subtropical.

---

Notice the average max. and min. temperatures in °F,
Mid summer averages in the mid-90's!
The humidity is very high, notice the rainfall.
A/C is needed to pull the moisture out of the air so people do not overheat.

The climate is hotter and worse than in Baton Rouge!

If no conventions they could charge to watch executions and death matches like the Coliseum.