JUAN A. LOZANO, Associated Press
HOUSTON (AP) — The Texas Historical Commission is poised to decide whether to designate the famed Houston Astrodome a “state antiquities landmark,” a status that would make demolishing the iconic structure harder.
A vote on the antiquities landmark designation was expected during the commission’s Wednesday meeting in the West Texas city of Alpine.
The Astrodome is in no immediate danger of being torn down, despite voter rejection last year of a $217 million bond issue to turn it into a multipurpose special events center. Nevertheless, its future remains uncertain.
The designation would mean any proposal to alter or demolish the Astrodome would need commission approval. While the designation doesn’t bar demolition, preservation groups say it would provide an extra layer of protection.
The Astrodome has been closed to all events since 2009.