MADELEINE HAMM: You don't have to be a Houstonian, or even a Texan, to know about the Astrodome. Built in 1965, it was the first domed, air-conditioned stadium--an architectural gem quickly labeled "the eighth wonder of the world." It became the most recognized symbol of Houston--our Eiffel Tower, our Golden Gate Bridge--a building known around the world.

In addition to baseball, football, circuses, and rodeos, the Astrodome has hosted many memorable events, from the Republican Convention that nominated George H. W. Bush for president to more recently becoming a refuge for thousands flooded out of their homes by Hurricane Katrina.

Now Houston's sports teams have moved into new stadiums, and there are those who say the seldom-used Astrodome is past its prime and no longer relevant. It is deteriorating from neglect, and the bare minimum annual maintenance is a financial burden on the owner, Harris County. Eventually, the county could decide it is no longer worth the cost of maintaining this iconic structure. The Greater Houston Preservation Alliance (GHPA) has named the Astrodome an endangered landmark and initiated the "Save Our Astrodome" campaign. We believe the way to preserve the Dome is to rejuvenate it as a viable, public attraction that will benefit the city and the taxpayers who own it. To maintain the historic character of the building--exterior appearance, interior volume, and original baseball diamond--any plan must meet certain guidelines from the Texas Historical Commission and the National Parks Service.

BTL: How does the campaign work?

MH: We have devoted the top spot on our website--ghpa.org--to promoting our campaign. It includes vintage photos of the Astrodome, a clever cartoon by former Houston Chronicle editorial cartoonist Clyde Peterson, and, most important, an online petition that can be signed in support of the effort. When the time is right, we will take a printout of the petition to the County Commissioners Court. We are not shy about seeking publicity and have generated attention in the newspapers and on television and radio. We now have "Save Our Astrodome" bumper stickers.

BTL: You have described the Astrodome as "a symbol of the can-do spirit of Texas." If our readers want to be involved in its preservation, what can they do?

MH: Go to our website--ghpa.org--and sign our petition. You do not have to live in Harris County and you can sign anonymously. You can even add your comments and read what others have said. And you can encourage others to sign.

BTL: Since the structure is seldom used now, what are some possible reuse options that are being considered?

MH: Several years ago, the county solicited ideas for revitalizing the Dome, and the plan by the Astrodome Redevelopment Corp. (ARC) to turn it into a first-class convention hotel was selected. But ARC has encountered many roadblocks. Negotiations are ongoing, but the commissioners have decided to listen to other plans, if there are any. Other suggestions have been made, including a soccer stadium, an entertainment venue, rodeo arena and horse barn, and even a casino. The hotel plan has two important things in its favor: It would be privately funded, and it has the approval of the Texas Historical Commission and the National Parks Service.

BTL: How did you become involved in such a Texas-size venture?

MH: I love the Astrodome. I attended the first Astros game in 1965, the last Astros game in 1999, and countless games and events in between. In 1999, I started collecting Astrodome memorabilia (pictured above), sensing that its future was in jeopardy. When I joined the GHPA board of directors in 2004, I listed saving the Dome as a major concern. Last fall when talk of abandoning the Astrodome became public, I volunteered to chair this campaign.

BTL: You worked for the Houston Chronicle for a number of years. Tell us about your work there and how that prepared you for this undertaking.

MH: Indeed, I worked at the Chronicle for thirty-nine-plus years, retiring at the end of 2003. For thirty-three years I was the home design editor, and early on I was the only one at the paper writing about historic preservation. It became a passion, and I worked with GHPA and the Heritage Society on many articles.

BTL: How are you spending your retirement, other than trying to save endangered landmarks?

MH: I am still involved with many aspects of design, which I love, and I am an antiques dealer with a booth at Antique Center of Texas. Fortunately, my husband, Mike Hamm '61, enjoys antiquing with me when we travel.

And--not by design--I have become a freelance design writer. I call my business Design Communications and have written articles for interior designers and antiques dealers, as well as two books with Houston interior designer Bill Stubbs. The first book, published in 2004, was I Hate Red, You're Fired! Coming out this fall will be our next book, Moment of Luxury, which is also the title of his television show starting in April on PBS. I'm working on the show's companion website, momentofluxury.com. Retirement is great, but I never dreamed I would be this busy!

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