agchouston.org Fall 2025 Cornerstone 25 on the natural greenery and replaced it with a new, artificial grass-replacement product known as “ChemGrass,” which was invented in 1964. Not only did the invention solve the Astrodome’s grass problem, but it also established a new era in sports turf tech- nology. Thanks to its highly publicized installation in Houston, the product was renamed “AstroTurf” in 1966. Structural Innovation and Long-Term Impact From a construction standpoint, the Astrodome pushed the limits of what was previously thought possible. The Astro- dome earned a tremendous amount of respect for Houston’s general contracting industry, especially in the commercial sector, and it inspired other domed stadi- ums across the country while helping to popularize large-scale, multi-use arenas. Beyond its technical impact on inno- vation in industries including roofing, HVAC, lighting and synthetic surfaces, the Astrodome helped shift the public perception of Houston from being primarily an oil-and-gas outpost to a pioneering modern metropolis capable of pulling off complex, headline-grabbing feats. For local contractors, subcontractors and laborers, the Astrodome was a monumental turning point; the project created thousands of jobs and set bench- marks for budgeting, scheduling and site coordination that are still referenced in regional commercial contracting circles today. The Dome’s Direction Is Debated As so often happens, over time, the Astrodome began to show its age. Although it was Houston’s crown jewel at its peak, by the 1990s, newer stadi- ums that used modern advancements in construction technology to capitalize on sleeker designs and luxury boxes were taking the spotlight. The Houston Oilers deserted their home field and moved to Tennessee in 1997. Similarly, in 1999, the Houston Astros left for their new home at Minute Maid Park, with its retractable roof. The ‘Dome did its duty as a disaster response refuge in 2005, too, when it served as a temporary home for thou- sands of evacuees who had escaped New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina’s unprecedented destruction. After that, the dome sat empty and mostly unused; its last official event was held in 2009, and its doors were closed when it lost its Certificate of Occupancy. Since then, though, the Astrodome has been surrounded by a hotly debated question: Should it be demolished in favor of progress or preserved for its inherent historical value? “It’s one of the most complex build- ings to have gone up at the time it was designed and engineered. An incredible structure that represents innovation, cre- ativity and craftsmanship any city would be proud of, but was built exclusively by Houstonians … well, that’s a source of great pride and ought to be preserved as a national landmark,” affirmed Kiley, honored to have been a part of the com- munity — and the industry — that built the Astrodome. In 2013, a bond issue to fund the stadium’s redevelopment failed. Since then, several proposals have circulated, with ideas ranging from a museum and event space to a conference center or even an underground parking structure and everything in between. However, none have fully materialized, and pres- ervation efforts continue. Sixty Years Since Inception For most Houstonians over the age of 40, the Astrodome was where they saw their first ballgame or concert. It was the site of countless stories, millions of memories and an immeasurable number of smiles. It’s a reminder of Houston’s ability not only to think big, but to build big in true Texas tradition. “How wonderful it was to know some of the people involved! Mr. Lott, Inez Lott, Harold Lott, Alan Farn- sworth, George Joiner, Herb Eyster, Al Jensen, Herman Weigelt and so many others,” Nelson reminisced. “They were amazing construction men and women with unique skills, and I was so blessed to have known and worked with them.” The Astrodome has secured its legacy as a global milestone in construction and contracting. It was the project that proved Houston builders could take on the biggest, boldest designs and bring them to fruition with larger-than-life grandeur. The lessons learned in engi- neering, budgeting and risk mitigation continue to influence how commercial contractors approach projects today. Kiley, Nelson and countless others all remember Mr. Lott for his humble, welcoming, understated manner, his inventive engineering mind and his generosity, especially to his beloved South Main Baptist Church. He was the epitome of a man of faith, family and caring for his employees, and his legacy shines bright in Houston as the Astrodome served its purpose in shad- ing sports fans from the summer sun for 40-plus seasons. However, 60 years after Judge Roy Hofheinz’s revolutionary vision first opened its doors — and despite being a tangible testament of Houston’s unabashed ambition, talented engineers and capacity for colossal construction — the Astrodome’s future remains uncertain. Although Harris County has deemed it a protected landmark, which makes demolition unlikely, no long-term plan for revitalization and redevelopment has yet to be approved. Just like the great state of Texas, though, the Astrodome is still standing tall, still standing proud and still showing the world that Houston is an undeniable innovator in a very big way. From the steel lattice roof to the revolutionary HVAC system, the Astrodome pushed construction standards into uncharted territory.
