The dome project was defeated by about 16,500 votes. Supporters say that is pretty close and reason for not giving up. Others say it's time to put the dome down.
It was an 11th-hour bid to save the former football stadium, but now, county officials are dealing with a referendum that's been defeated.
"Commissioners court will have to make a decision as to where we go from here," Judge Ed Emmett said Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, he refused to comment further. His office says he believes all public and private options have now been exhausted.
"The voters have spoken," Emmett said.
"We're disappointed," said David Bush of Preservation Houston, the group which pushed the repurposing of the dome.
Hundreds posted similar comments of support were posted on our Facebook page, but there were also those on the other side.
"I believe all voters went in with one thing on their mind: $217 million," voter Helen Louis said.
Judge Emmett's office says the only option left now is demolition, that it would cost somewhere between $20 million and $60 million from the general fund to take down the dome. It's up to commissioners.
Whatever happens, it's the memories of the first-ever indoor, air-conditioned park emulated by so many that will live on forever.
The county says there will still be auctions where you can purchase a portion of the dome as memorabilia.
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