Restoring the Astrodome: Q&A with Judge Ed Emmett on Its Future
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett
HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – The Astrodome played a pivotal role in shaping Space City and reinforcing Houston’s reputation as a city that gets things done. Officially named the Harris County Domed Stadium, the Astrodome opened in 1965 and for decades served as home to the Houston Astros. Although the Astros moved to a new downtown ballpark in 2000 and the Dome was subsequently closed, plans are now moving forward to repurpose the stadium into flexible meeting space with two levels of underground parking. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett led efforts to preserve one of Houston’s most recognizable landmarks and to return it to active civic use. Realty News Report spoke with Judge Emmett about the Astrodome’s importance to Houston and the vision for its future.
Realty News Report: Why save the Astrodome? It’s 50 years old and past its prime. What does preserving the Astrodome say about Houston’s past?
Judge Ed Emmett: Some people attach emotional value to the Dome, and that matters. From my perspective as Harris County Judge, it is also a fully paid-for public asset that belongs to taxpayers and remains useful. Many people don’t realize the Astrodome is part of the larger NRG complex, and the county has contractual responsibility to maintain the entire property. Since property tax revenue is a primary source of county funding, the nine acres of covered, rentable space represent a valuable revenue opportunity. People understand the Dome’s history and feel nostalgic, but they don’t always see its practical side. Demolition would leave us with nothing; preserving it retains an attraction and a revenue source. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, for example, can still make use of the space. There are many events and activities that could occupy nine acres of indoor space and help support county services.
Realty News Report: You once championed turning the Astrodome into the world’s largest indoor park.
Judge Ed Emmett: That idea has evolved. We originally envisioned a large open, green area, and while we still plan to create nine acres of open space, I wouldn’t necessarily call it a park in the traditional sense. The space should be flexible, available for a wide range of activities. For example, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department noted archery’s growing popularity and pointed out that the Dome’s lack of wind would make it ideal for indoor ranges. I joked about horseshoe tournaments and before long the idea made amusing headlines, but events like that could bring significant visitor traffic to Houston. The Astrodome Conservancy is expected to steward other portions of the stadium and develop creative uses over time. My job was to save the building and make it practical for the future.
Realty News Report: Some say the Astrodome represents the can-do spirit of Houston. Do you agree? For what reasons?
Judge Ed Emmett: Absolutely. Judge Roy Hofheinz is rightly credited with the Astrodome, and others like R.E. “Bob” Smith shared the vision that produced the world’s first major indoor stadium. The Dome transformed the sporting landscape and proved adaptable for many other large-scale events — from basketball and political conventions to bullfights and mass gatherings like Billy Graham crusades. That innovative spirit reflects Houston’s broader culture: ambitious, inventive, and willing to try new ideas on a large scale.
Realty News Report: Too often Houston has torn down notable buildings. Do you think saving the Astrodome will help Houstonians reassess and value older structures?
Judge Ed Emmett: I hope so. Some historic buildings deserve preservation because they tell important parts of our story. Architecturally, the Astrodome is striking — it ranks among the most recognized structures associated with Texas alongside the Alamo. While the Alamo holds deeper historical significance, the Dome is also important for its modern achievements. I was disappointed we couldn’t preserve the Shamrock Hotel; had it survived, it would be a valuable asset today, especially for the expanding Medical Center area. Saving buildings when they remain useful and relevant is an important lesson in balancing growth and heritage.
Realty News Report: Even now, 50 years later, there’s still vacant land around the Dome. Are stadiums real drivers for commercial real estate growth?
Judge Ed Emmett: They can be. Stadium-related activity tends to ebb and flow, but when the Astrodome opened it generated substantial commercial activity nearby — hotels and restaurants prospered along the corridor. Revitalizing the larger NRG complex should stimulate renewed activity around the site. We’ve already seen similar patterns of development when major venues are reactivated, and bringing the complex back to life can attract hotels, dining, and other businesses that support events and daily use.
Realty News Report: Had R.E. “Bob” Smith and Judge Hofheinz placed the Astrodome downtown instead of at Kirby and Loop 610, how might Houston’s growth have differed?
Judge Ed Emmett: It’s worth reviewing the history: the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was seeking a new location outside downtown, and land negotiations, including a swap engineered by R.E. Bob Smith, led to the Dome’s current site. Those decisions reflected the context and opportunities of the time and shaped the development patterns that followed. Hypothetical alternatives are interesting to consider, but the realities of land availability and political arrangements drove the actual outcome.
Realty News Report: You’ve overseen recovery from Hurricane Harvey and efforts to limit future flooding. Houstonians have weathered Harvey, repeated floods, and other natural challenges. What makes Houston so resilient?
Judge Ed Emmett: I believe it’s rooted in Texas pride and a strong culture of self-reliance. Texans grew up with a can-do, independent mindset shaped by ranching and farming traditions — you worked hard to survive and neighbors helped one another. That spirit showed up during Harvey in countless acts of individual courage and aid. When I appealed on television for boat owners to assist in rescues, people responded immediately; many would have helped anyway. We’ll never know how many lives were saved by neighbors and volunteers taking initiative. That willingness to pitch in and support each other is a core reason Houston bounces back from disasters.
