Astrodome Among National Trust's List of 11 Most Endangered Places
"The trust's 26th annual list of America's 11 most endangered historic places spotlights significant architectural, cultural and other structures and places at risk of destruction by human or natural forces," writes Katia Hetter. Included on this year's list are one of the country's first planned communities, the first lighthouse built on Martha's Vineyard, and Houston's Astrodome, the world's first domed, indoor, air-conditioned stadium that was once promoted as the "Eighth Wonder of the World".
"'The listing on the '11 most endangered list' has a tremendous effect in mobilizing constituencies to find a productive way' to save these places and 'usher them into their next chapter,' said Stephanie Meeks, president and CEO of the nonprofit National Trust for Historic Preservation."
"Over the last 25 years, 'we've had a 97% success rate' of saving places on the list, Meeks said. Local coalitions 'get a big boost and additional support emerges from the shadows when people learn for the first time that a resource is threatened.'"